MADISONVILLE, KY — The Madisonville Police Department is set to receive two vital pieces of lifesaving equipment this Saturday, February 24 at 11 a.m. directly following the 2024 Heart Fair at the Jack L. Hamman Heart & Vascular Center. The two portable Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are generously donated by the Baptist Health Deaconess Cardiovascular team.

This invaluable donation comes as a result of the Baptist Health Deaconess Cardiovascular team's initiative to raise funds for the procurement of these AEDs through a special T-shirt campaign with hospital employees. The campaign raised awareness about heart health and provided tangible support for enhancing emergency response capabilities in Madisonville.

AEDs are critical tools in the chain of survival for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). According to the American Heart Association (AHA), SCA is a leading cause of death globally, claiming more lives each year than breast cancer, lung cancer, and HIV/AIDS combined. Shockingly, nearly 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States alone, with a survival rate of less than 12%.*

However, the timely use of an AED dramatically increases the chances of survival. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, the likelihood of survival decreases by 7-10%. With each passing minute, the opportunity to restore a normal heart rhythm diminishes, underscoring the critical importance of swift intervention in SCA cases.

Chief Steve Bryan, Madisonville Police Department, expressed profound gratitude for the donation, emphasizing the invaluable impact these AEDs will have on their ability to serve and protect the community. "We are incredibly grateful to the Baptist Health Deaconess Cardiovascular team for their generous donation of these portable AEDs. With this equipment, our officers will be better equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to cardiac emergencies, potentially saving precious lives in our community."

Erin Larkins, APRN, who led the campaign, highlighted the significance of community partnerships in promoting heart health and improving outcomes in cardiac emergencies. "Every second counts in a cardiac emergency and having access to AEDs can make all the difference. We are proud to partner with the Madisonville Police Department in their efforts to enhance public safety and promote heart health awareness."

The donation ceremony will take place at the Jack L. Hamman Heart & Vascular Center, 800 Hospital Dr., Madisonville on Saturday, February 24, at 11 a.m., providing an opportunity for community members to witness firsthand the impact of their support in action.

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*Source: American Heart Association, "About Cardiac Arrests"