The information below is from The Villages Public Safety Department. Some things about our program will differ from what's here - but it's useful to know the VPSD position generally on AED programs.
Neighbors Saving Neighbors - AED Program Process
• The neighborhood forms a committee and a meeting will be scheduled with VPSD to learn more about the program to include all costs and number of responders needed.
• Your AED group will be named after the largest street in the neighborhood. We do not use acronyms or made up group names.
• VPSD puts together program data including a brochure for the neighborhood and a sheet of the financials for the proposed project. This includes the suggested locations of the AED(s).
• Flyers are printed and distributed by the Group throughout the neighborhood with representatives attempting to talk with every resident to gather support.
• A neighborhood informational meeting can be held at one of the Recreation Centers by VPSD. Preferable times are between the hours of 8am and 5pm.
• Neighborhood representatives will continue to collect money and gather support.
• When the neighborhood representatives are certain that they have the support and enough money, the AED(s) and weatherproof cabinets are ordered. The money that is collected also covers projected costs for the first (5) years.
• Once the AED(s) arrive, they will be labeled. The AED group is responsible for installation of the cabinets. The fire department cannot recommend a “handyman” to do the installation. If the equipment needs to be mounted on a District wall or maintained property, the AED group will contact District Property Management about installing the equipment on District property. The group will also need to purchase locks if they chose.
• Training for volunteer responders is scheduled through the fire dept.
• All responders will be connected to PulsePoint. This is a free phone app that will alert them of a cardiac arrest. This portion of the program is overseen by Sumter County. A point of contact will be provided.
• Generally, after the group is active, drill is held in the neighborhood where a simulated cardiac arrest is called into 911 and the group is alerted as if it were a real cardiac arrest. The volunteer responders would show up to the address and perform CPR on a manikin and use and AED trainer to simulate an actual response.