Henderson launches defibrillator loan program
The city of Henderson is the first jurisdiction in Nevada to offer an automated external defibrillator loan program for public use.
An automated external defibrillator, or AED, is a portable electronic device that shocks a cardiac arrest victim’s heart back into rhythm.
The city launched the defibrillator loan program after being approached by three local mothers who founded the Adam’s Heart organization.
The women started the organization after one’s son experienced sudden cardiac arrest during a soccer game. An emergency room doctor and a nurse on adjacent fields administered CPR to the unconscious boy until an emergency medical team arrived with a defibrillator. The boy survived.
The Henderson Fire and Parks and Recreation departments are partnering to provide defibrillators at no cost for use at public gatherings and sporting events.
An event organizer, coach or participant may request a defibrillator when reserving a city facility at least three weeks before a scheduled public event. Qualified users must be at least 18 and complete a 30-minute training class.
For more information, call 702-267-4000 or visit www.cityofhenderson.com/parks.
Contact reporter Carri Geer Thevenot at cgeer@reviewjournal.com or 702-384-8710. Follow her on Twitter @CarriGeer.
