By Sam Elliott
A donation of nearly $16,000 from St. Vincent Fishers to the Fishers Fire Dept. will help save lives in the event of a cardiac emergency involving visitors to the city’s most popular parks.
Representatives form the hospital presented a check for $15,844 to Fire Chief Steve Orusa and Parks & Recreation Director Tony Elliott last month, allowing for the departments to purchase 11 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be stationed within city parks.
“It’s estimated that somewhere between 400,000 and 500,000 people across the United States will die of sudden cardiac death each year,” St. Vincent Fishers cardiologist Dr. Chris Hollon said. “The more we can get these defibrillators out there and train people to use them, the higher the likelihood we’ll be able to resuscitate people and improve long-term survival.”
“In no small way, our partnership with St. Vincent has made a difference in our community and a difference in the level of service the Fishers Fire Dept. can provide,” added Chief Orusa. “Were blessed, we’re grateful and I want to thank St. Vincent so much for their commitment to the health and wellness in our community and their commitment to our fire department.”
