WHAT IS AN AED?

If you're wondering what an AED is – and why they seem to be located in most offices and public buildings, you're not alone. In fact, because these devices are now commonly available, more people than ever before are curious about them. So – just what is an AED?

An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It's a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

WHY LEARN TO USE AN AED?

Sudden cardiac arrest is among the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, more than 350,000 people will suffer a cardiac arrest this year. Currently, the only way to restore a regular heart rhythm during cardiac arrest is to use an AED.

Of course, you can – and should – request the assistance of trained medical professionals. However, because the average response time for first responders once 911 is called is 8-12 minutes, and for each minute defibrillation is delayed, the odds of survival are reduced by approximately 10%, having access to and AED and knowing how to use one, is critical.

OUR MISSION

My husband, Scott Ardner, passed away on the golf course while we were on vacation in the summer of 2018 of a pulmonary embolism. The course we were at did not have an AED and while we were able to perform CPR it was not enough to save his life.

After this tragic event we discovered it was an important life saving device what was missing from most golf courses. In 2019 we started a golf outing to raise money in his honor to purchase AEDs for local golf courses. Every course in the NW Ohio and SE Michigan that has been receptive, has an AED along with training on how to use the device and CPR. We have since moved on to donating the devices to other local community facilities. 

In the past 6 years, we have purchased a total of 75 AEDs, wall mounts and first aid kits that are now out in the community and have made it as far as Florida.