Picture this. Man down. No pulse. Not breathing. Sudden cardiac arrest. That was Mr. Don Neel and an EPD Officer, two recent individuals saved through the efforts of heroes who had access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) funded by HeartSaver. HeartSaver is a program of The Heart Hospital at Gateway Hospital and Deaconess Foundation committed to reducing the number of sudden cardiac deaths with the placement of AEDs in the communities Deaconess serves. And as many as 13 individuals with a sudden cardiac event have experienced the lifesaving effect of a HeartSaver AED.
After Don’s life was saved by a HeartSaver AED at North High School in Evansville, he and his wife, Jamie, have made it a priority to increase the number of AEDs placed in the community. Their generous support is creating a positive influence and saving lives.
HeartSaver has provided 132 AEDs to the Evansville Police Departments (EPD), Indiana State Police and Vanderburgh County Sheriffs. Deaconess Foundation and The Heart Hospital are working to provide additional AEDs for EPD cars. EPD Officers are often the first responders to individuals in need. One EPD Officer was saved by another EPD Officer who operated the HeartSaver AED. This is living proof that HeartSaver and Deaconess save lives!
We will continue to seek funds to supply AEDs to qualified non-profit groups. By supporting HeartSaver, an AED can be made in honor, in memory, in recognition and in thanks to your loved ones. To make a donation for these lifesaving, easy to use devices, visit deaconess.com/heartsaver.