Return to The Herald Home Page

 

Buckhorn woman wants more public access defibrillators

by Anita Locke

A defibrillator was recently installed at Strang’s Valu Mart (Bobcaygeon) in memory of Buckhorn resident David H. Kemlo. The store is owned by Fred and Heather Strang. The dedication of the unit took place on July 8.

Mr. Kemlo suffered a heart attack at the Valu Mart on October 26, 2007. Employees trained in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) quickly assisted Mr. Kemlo, and continued to provide care until paramedics arrived.

Mr. Kemlo was rushed to hospital and was doing well until he suffered a stroke this past April and passed away.

Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) is a program which places defibrillators in locations where there is a likelihood of someone suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.

The program uses AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators), small portable units that can be used to treat these patients.

AEDs can also analyze electrical activity of the heart and determine if the heart will benefit from the application of an electrical shock. Most AEDs include visual and audio prompts to guide users during use.

The PAD AED at Strang’s Valu Mart is the first one in an Ontario grocery store.

Several of the store’s employees are trained in CPR, arranged for by the Strangs. This came about as a result of the realization that over a half million customers went through the store each year. There is at least one employee every shift who knows how to perform CPR.

Pam Dickey, Mr. Kemlo’s wife said, “The staff’s quick action meant I had six more months with my husband.”

The defibrillators cost approximately $3,000 each.

“Ideally,” she said, “it would be great if all grocery stores had a defibrillator.”

People who would like to donate towards having a defibrillator placed at specific stores can donate towards the cause.

Visit http://www.heartandstroke.ca/startaheart or http://www.heartandstroke.ca/chase for more information on the AED program and how your donation can save lives. Donations will be directed towards the Start a Heart, Save a Live Campaign in communities across the province. This campaign places AEDs in public places and trains emergency medical staff.

Call the Heart and Stroke Foundation toll-free at (888) 473-4636 or the local (Peterborough) office at (705) 749-1044.

Click here for copyright permissions!
Copyright 2008 Lakefield Herald Ltd.

 

Return to The Herald Home Page