Link to articleLclair@beardsleyzoo.org
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Receives an Automated
External Defibrillator from In A Heartbeat
Wallingford-based Company Donates a New Defibtech AED to the Zoo
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – November 6, 2020 – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo has received a donation of a Defibtech Automated External Defibrillator (AED) from Wallingford-based In A Heartbeat. An AED is a medical device that helps those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest by delivering an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. Mike Papale, founder of In A Heartbeat, personally delivered the AED to the Zoo.
In A Heartbeat donates AEDs to schools, businesses, families and other organizations in need. They also provide CPR/AED training and assist with setting up emergency action plans. In A Heartbeat wants to ensure that every place they donate an AED is prepared to save the life of someone in sudden cardiac arrest.
The Zoo is grateful to its many members, supporters, and corporate partners that help to educate, delight, and bring animal welfare and conservation to the state of Connecticut. In particular, the Zoo wishes to thank the In A Heartbeat Donation Program for helping to ensure the health and safety of guests and staff with the most up-to-date medical defibrillation technology.
“In A Heartbeat’s no-cost AED Donation Program can make the difference between life and death for someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “It is a gift we hope we never have to use, but there is great peace of mind that comes with having life-saving equipment on Zoo grounds for someone needing immediate care. We thank In A Heartbeat for their donation and continued efforts to promote the health and safety of the community.”
About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo:
Let your curiosity run wild! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 98th year, features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur tiger and leopards, maned wolves, and Mexican grey wolves and red wolves. Other highlights include our new Spider Monkey Habitat, the prairie dog exhibit, and the Pampas Plain with Giant anteaters and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can grab a bite from the Peacock Café and eat in the Picnic Grove. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a non-profit organization approaching its 100th year at a time when the mission of helping fragile wildlife populations and eco-systems is more important than ever.
The Zoo reopened on June 1. Tickets must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org. Face masks are required for everyone over the age of two, with the exception of those with medical conditions that preclude wearing them.
About In A Heartbeat
In A Heartbeat was founded in 2015 by Mike Papale to raise money and awareness for sudden cardiac arrest and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, to spread the word about the importance of CPR and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and to provide AEDs and emergency training to organizations. In 2006 at age 17, Mike experienced sudden cardiac arrest. There was no AED on site, but fortunately for Mike, an EMT working nearby was able to get to Mike in time, performing CPR for eight minutes and saving his life. Mike was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (an enlarged heart muscle), and had a defibrillator implanted into his chest. Without an AED on site, doctors said Mike’s chance of survival was one in a million. Learn more at Inaheartbeat.org.
