Posted on 12/11/2009

It received the designation last week from the state
Department of Health.

PUTNAM, CT–"It’s no small achievement, and it’s a good accomplishment,”
First Selectman Bill Ballinger said.

Since August, paramedics there have trained more than 60
people in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and proper use of automated external
defibrillators. Residents also have donated nearly $22,000 to help fund
purchases and training materials.

“I think that’s a remarkable story in itself,” said Gary St.
Amand, a health program associate at the state Department of Health.

Established in 2006 as a way to raise awareness and increase
the odds of survival for people who suffer unexpected cardiac arrest in public
places, the HEARTSafe program allocates points – known as “heart beats” — to
towns based on the number of AEDs, personnel trained and recruitment.
Communities are enrolled in the program for three years.

Norwich just had its designation renewed.

Ray Barber, former first selectman and long-time fire
department member, spearheaded Bozrah’s drive toward HEARTSafe qualification.

“I think it simply came from the recognition that we had (no
AEDS) at any of our facilities,” he said.

The town has bought seven AEDs since the summer. They have
been placed at Fields Memorial School, Town Hall, the Senior Center and the
transfer station.

“I’m really encouraged by the support we’ve received,”
Barber said.

St. Amand said people who suffer a sudden cardiac arrest
have between a 3 and 5 percent chance of survival if no immediate lifesaving
measures are taken. The odds jump to 40 percent if CPR or AEDs are used
immediately.

The town will host a recognition dinner from 5 p.m. to 8
p.m. Wednesday at the Moose Lodge, where St. Amand will present a certificate
proclaiming Bozrah a HEARTSafe Community. The town also will receive a pair of
road signs along with bumper stickers and lapel pins.

In Norwich, American Ambulance Service Vice President Greg
Allard called the program “worthwhile.”

Since 2006, the city has increased its AEDs from 23 to 63,
with at least one at each school.

“We’re definitely going to continue to be a part of this
program as long as it’s running here in the state,” Allard said.

Other Eastern Connecticut communities that have received the
HEARTSafe designation include Ledyard, Lisbon, Sterling and Thompson.

SOURCE: Norwich Bulletin

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