Two Estero residents have a lot to be thankful for, in large part to the presence of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and some well trained friends. On March 12, 2008 a gentleman collapsed on the tennis court at Riverwoods Plantation in sudden cardiac arrest. Residents attending the tennis match from both Riverwoods Plantation and Corkscrew Woodlands rushed in to action providing live saving skills including a shock from an AED.
Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are used in cooperation with CPR and administer an electric shock to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. Built in computers in the device assess the patients heart rhythm and determine if a shock is needed. It then indicates to the operator whether a shock should be administered or CPR should be continued. The American Heart Association reports that CPR alone will save only 20% of those suffering cardiac arrest, but a combination of CPR and the use of an automatic external defibrillator within 4 minutes of an attack will save a victim 80% of the time. AED’s can be found in a number of locations throughout Lee County.
Approximately one year prior, March 14, 2007, another person collapsed on the same tennis court in sudden cardiac arrest. Again, the residents utilized a nearby AED successfully.
Estero Fire Rescue will be honoring residents of these two communities at its April 8th Board meeting for their life saving actions. Residents of Riverwoods Plantation and Corkscrew Woodlands will be recognized for their quick actions in using CPR and an Automated External Defibrillators (AED) which resulted in saving the lives of two Estero residents.
Nancy Nier, a CPR instructor with Estero Fire Rescue and Riverwoods resident, will also be honored for her dedication to the implementation of AED’s in the community and the continuation of CPR instruction throughout Estero.
Please join us in recognizing these wonderful residents for their dedication to life safety. The recognition ceremony will take place on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at 5:00 pm at the Estero Community Park located at 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, Florida.