JACKSON HOLE, WYO – An emergency first aid device is now available for use by the general public at Miller Park, thanks to a partnership between Teton County 4-H and Teton County Parks and Recreation.
Jackson Hole Fire/EMS has placed an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) for public access at Miller Park, located on the outside wall of the 4-H building. Teton County Parks/ Recreation installed a weatherproof cabinet to contain the AED, making it available to patrons of Miller Park at all hours. It is equipped with an alarm that will be activated by opening the cabinet. Even though there is an alarm, 911 would still need to be called in the event of an emergency.
When a person suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, a shock from an AED can restart the heart and is safe for a layperson to use. In sudden cardiac arrest events, seconds matter for the survival of the patient.
Picture this: Several people are playing Pickle Ball at Miller Park when one of the players suddenly collapses to the ground. Other players find that the patient is turning blue and is not breathing. Do you know what to do?
You need to start the Out-Of-Hospital Chain of Survival.
STEP 1 – Recognition of cardiac arrest and activation the emergency response system. That’s 911.
STEP 2 – Early Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) with an emphasis on chest compressions. Hands-only CPR works for lay person CPR, “Push hard and fast in the center of the chest”.
STEP 3 – Rapid defibrillation. Getting an AED as soon as possible is important. Open the AED case and follow the voice prompts.
STEP 4 – Basic and advanced emergency medical services begin to arrive. This could be law enforcement or other first responders.
STEP 5 – Advanced life support and post cardiac arrest care. This will be a Jackson Hole Fire/EMS ambulance staffed with paramedic and ALS providers. They will provide advanced life support and transport the patient to St. Johns Medical Center for post cardiac arrest care.
For many years, Jackson Hole Fire/EMS has placed public access AEDs in buildings where large groups meet or events occur. Currently, public access AED’s managed by Jackson Hole Fire/EMS are located at the Center for the Arts, County Administrative Building, Teton County Jail, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ticket office, Teton County Recreation Center, Heritage Arena; Senior Center, Snow King Arena, Jackson Town Hall, and Walk Festival Hall.
This is the first time Jackson Hole Fire/EMS has placed an AED outside of a building as part of a trial program. AED’s cannot be stored outside in freezing temperatures making it only available in warmer temperatures. During the winter, the AED will be stored inside the 4-H building.
For more information about hands only CPR, go
www.tetoncountywy.gov/fire.
