| The deployment of Automated External Defibrillators is almost a New York State mandate. These life saving devices are becoming the standard of care. Early defibrillation is the key in the chain of survival. They do work! Ask Muhammed Shah: just a few short weeks after the Smithtown School District set up their defibrillator program in the Fall of 2001, his life was saved because of the use of an AED. However, setting up an approved Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) program can be a daunting task. With the collaborative efforts of the American Heart Association, who have established the scientific guidelines and criteria to be trained by, the Louis J. Acompora Memorial Foundation, which was established by parents John and Karen Acompora in memory of their son Louis, who's life could have been saved if a defibrillator was available, and the Suffolk County Chapter of Critical Care Nurses, who have the training and experience, and commitment to assist in their communities service, PAD's can become a reality.
The American Heart Association has written a clearly helpful guide, "As Easy as A. B. C .... Setting up a Public Access Defibrillation Program." This "cookbook" has all the information needed to establish your PAD Program, lists key people who should be on your taskforce, sample site surveys, all the manufacturers of the current defibrillators on the market and their phone numbers, sample agreement forms, legal and insurance information, as well as training criteria.
Our collaborative groups are willing to provide the following services:
1. Clear, accurate information regarding Public Access Defibrillation Programs in New York State.
2. Assistance with training. Training is just once cost associated with establishing PAD's. The Louis J. Acompora Memorial Foundation wishes to continue their mission of "Taking Our Children Out Of Harm's Way". The books and cards needed to comply with the American Heart Association Standards of Training will be donated by the Louis J. Acompora Memorial Foundation.
3. Training sessions will be provided FREE of cost. There is absolutely no charge. All you need to do is have a heart & donate 3 hours of your time to learn how to save a life! The Suffolk County Nurses, on a volunteer basis, will provide training. These nurses are Certified Trained Basic Life Support Instructors. The course that is being offered is the Heartsaver AED Course.
NOTE: Anyone already certified in BLS for the Healthcare Provider, or an equivalent "American Red Cross CPR Course for the Professional Rescuer" That contained the AED curriculum (required in all 2001 classes) need not get certified in this program.
The Heartsaver AED Course teaches adult victims (8 years old and older), single rescuer, one man CPR, relief of foriegn body airway obstruction, conscious and unconscious, and the use of an automated defibrillator.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!!! Training sessions will be available once a month at two centrally located hospitals: Stony Brook University Hospital, and Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center. Training Dates are ongoing, please use the contacts below for specific times.
Contact Numbers:
1. Karen Acompora, The Louis J. Acompora Memorial Foundation. 631-754-2945. E-mail: k-acompora@la12.org
2. Marilyn Fiasconaro, Clinical Educator, Resource Manager at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center. Office: 631-376-4043, pager: 631-322-4034, home: 631-399-4495. E-mail: marilynfiasconaro@chsli.org
3. Claire Guydish, Saint Francis DeMatteis Conference Center. 516-629-2128.
4. Janet Stevens, R.N., 631-399-4495. E-mail: Momfriendnurse3@aol.com
5. American Association of Critical Care Nurses - Suffolk Chapter: 631-553-0417.
|
