A Zionsville couple, seeking to be private donors, contacted the Zionsville Fire Department to contribute to the purchase of needed equipment for ambulances as a way to honor their late grandchild who passed away at only 3 months old. The family wanted to do something to recognize the fire department’s efforts in the care of their grandchild.
After recently teaching CPR and first aid classes at the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library for the library staff, the Division Chief of EMS for the Zionsville Fire Department, Steve Gilliam learned that the library did not currently have an Automated External Defibrillator, otherwise known as an AED. An AED is a device with pads placed on the chest of a person in sudden cardiac arrest and will automatically determine if the heart can be shocked to try to make it beat normally again.
Chief Gilliam suggested to the potential donors that purchasing an AED might be a great way to put some potentially lifesaving equipment in to the community. The donors agreed and after consulting with library staff and further board approval, the purchase was made. The unit will be placed in a clearly labeled wall cabinet on the second floor of the three-story building. This way it will be in a central location for all. There will be a plaque on the wall above the AED dedicated to the memory of the late grandchild.
