Area fitness clubs helped raise funds to make AED purchase possible

Friday, April 3, the IHLF will present McLean County EMA with a portable AED that can be used in their emergency operations center or any of their response vehicles. The donation was made possible with funds raised in February when Four Seasons Health Club, the Workout Company and Advocate BroMenn Health & Fitness Center held special activities in support of the IHLF’s AED program. 100% of the $690 raised by the health clubs was put toward the AED purchase.

“In February, we didn’t imagine we’d be in the situation we’re in today,” says Lisa Slater, executive director of the IHLF. “This is a stressful time and studies show stress can contribute to a variety of heart problems, including sudden cardiac arrest. Now more than ever we are happy to donate an AED to McLean County EMA. While we hope they won’t have a need for this AED, knowing they have one readily available is security we are pleased to provide.”

AEDs are easy to use and can increase a person’s chances of survival following sudden cardiac arrest by up to 70 percent when used within three minutes. Every minute defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival is reduced by about 10 percent.

The key to survival is quick action and the IHLF remains committed to preparing the community to respond quickly to instances of sudden cardiac arrest through its ability to donate AEDs throughout the county and through community CPR/AED education and training events.

Protecting lives through heart and lung health education, innovation, and action is the mission of the IHLF so that together we can achieve a community where hearts are healthy and people breathe freely.

For more information about the Illinois Heart and Lung Foundation or to donate, visit https://ihlf.org and follow us on social media — Facebook @IllinoisHeartLungFoundation and Twitter @ILheartlung.