Petoskey News-Review reports Business owners step up for AEDs




More defibrillators eyed for Charlevoix downtown area
Annie Doyle
The Petoskey News-Review

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Hopefully, most of us will not have to use an AED.

An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It's sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, a medical device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm, according to the American Red Cross.

It is normally affixed to a wall in a public place. Among Charlevoix city properties, there is one at city hall and another at the city’s marina.

AEDs are important because they strengthen the "Chain of Survival." They can restore a normal heart rhythm in victims of sudden cardiac arrest. New, portable AEDs enable more people to respond to a medical emergency that requires defibrillation.

During a recent business owners' meeting, the topic of AEDs came up and it was requested that downtown leaders look into adding some more in the business district so that they're easier to find in case of emergency.

Main Street/Downtown Development Authority director Lindsey Dotson checked with the local EMS department and got an estimate of approximately $600 per unit.

The original discussion considered the placement of one unit per block of downtown. There is already one at city hall and one at the Harbor Master Building at the marina.

Dotson is also working with Charlevoix EMS to schedule a CPR certification class that business owners would be invited to.

Charlevoix’s EMS director Don McMullen said, “It’s a great move and can improve victims' (tourists, locals, merchants, etc.) survival in the event of a cardiac arrest.”

“Minutes count,” said McMullen. “Having the AEDs accessible downtown is a great move.”

Each AED unit is around $600. If grant funding cannot be lined up, the Downtown Development Authority has around $2,000 it could allocate to the project, according to DDA board member Kirby Dipert.

In addition, Paul Silva, owner of the Hotel Earl, has volunteered to place a unit in that property's lobby — which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


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