News, and next steps
Thursday, January 9th was our Kick-Off Meeting for the AED Program. More than 75 people attended the meeting at Everglades, held jointly with the Village Public Safety Department(VPSD). Bob Sjogren of the VPSD spoke and answered questions for over 90 minutes.
His presentation took us through the why we need a program, all the way up to how we make a program happen in our village. Everyone seemed very supportive by the time it was over. (We were able record most of the program -available to watch using the link below.)
In the coming weeks look for volunteer neighborhood canvassers to knock on your door asking for a contribution to the program . We are requesting that each household contribute $100, but we will accept whatever you are comfortable giving. If you have already contributed, no one should be knocking on your door, but if they do, it's likely their list was printed before it was updated with your donation. Please just let them know that you have already contributed.
​There is a timeline on this website, and you will see a plan for each new activity throughout this winter and spring. Pease help us meet our goal to have AED's in our neighborhood, along with the needed volunteers by June 1, 2025.
You can watch our neighborhood donation total grow on the website!
Overview of the Richmond AED Program
How does an AED work?
When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, the heart starts to fibrillate or "quiver" but does not pump blood. CPR (chest compressions) makes the heart pump and keeps oxygen flowing to the body, but will not "'start" the heart. The AED is a battery operated device that determines whether a heart needs to be defibrillated (shocked) into resuming normal rhythm. It gives audible commands and is so simple anyone can be taught its use in a few minutes.
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Why do we need the AED Program?
The nearest fire station is approximately 8 to 10 minutes from Richmond, and in the event of a cardiac arrest, minutes count in saving lives. If neighborhood volunteer Responders can arrive sooner, and can quickly begin giving help, the chance of survival is increased.
What is the program?
Volunteers working together to develop a plan, and ask residents and homeowners of Richmond to contribute to this program. After successful fundraising, we will purchase AEDS (Automatic External Defibrillators).
Once these are received, they will be strategically positioned within our neighborhood to provide the quickest possible response to anyone who experiences a Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
We will also be connected to Pulsepoint, a system that notifies our volunteer responders of 911 calls for possible cardiac events.
Neighborhood volunteers will be trained in CPR and use of AEDs. After testing and drills, the system will go live.
We will be 1 of over 250 Neighborhood AED Groups.There are currently over 660 AEDs and over 5,000 volunteer responders in the Neighbor Saving Neighbors Program.
Who is responsible?
The Villages Public Safety Department oversees this program. They assist in organizing, ordering equipment, training the volunteer responders and providing continuing updates on training and equipment. Our volunteers will respond to administer CPR and to apply the AED.
What if some people don't Participate?
Because of liability concerns, EVERY HOME in our neighborhood is protected in the case of sudden cardiac arrest, regardless of whether or not they have contributed.
Why should I participate?
The program needs your participation. It lowers the costs for all of us and increases your chance of survival if you go into cardiac arrest.
Do I have to be a volunteer?
Only if you want to, but the more Responders we have the better we can help our neighborhood.
Is the AED difficult to use?
It is virtually foolproof and easy to use.
Do I have any legal liability?
Florida's Good Samaritan laws protect any lay person who goes to the aid of a person in distress. The AED only "shocks" people who are clinically dead, so there is no risk of hurting someone.
How long is the CPR/AED training?
New responder training is 3 hours long and free of charge. Mouth-to-mouth is no longer recommended when doing adult CPR.
Is the program to respond to all emergencies?
No, ONLY cardiac/respiratory arrests and only in our village and immediate vicinity. (In the future, included events may include choking and drowning.)
Are contributions tax deductible?
No, the Richmond AED Program is organized as a club, not as a charitable non-profit, and as such contributions are NOT tax deductible.
Where will the devices be located?
Device locations were planned to have all houses within a certain distance from the nearest device. Actual locations will be mapped by The Villages Public Safety Department and the Public Education Technician, with participation of our volunteer program leaders, and homeowners.
Who is currently coordinating the AED Program
Roles are all volunteer, and are subject to change, and are evolving as more people become involved in the program.
Rachel Hammer - program leader
Jill Patsell - accounting
Mark Middleton - canvassing coordinator
Dan Kipp - website, systems
Monique Reckner - receipts, events, website backup
Brenda Hein - events, publicity, website backup
Robert Stanton - coordinator of responder volunteers