Each year over 350,000 people die from Sudden Cardiac Arrest. On the average someone suffers from cardiac arrest every 2 minutes in the United States. Over 60% of these arrests occur outside of the hospital such as in the home at church or when participating in sports activities. The chance of survival decreases by 10% for every minute someone is in arrest. Their chance of survival can be greatly increased with the application of Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Defibrillation from an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator).

On the average it takes emergency responders 3-7 minutes to reach a victim. Add in the initial notification and dispatch and you could add up to 2-4 minutes. As you can see a victims chance for survival can diminish very quickly. After 12 minutes you have only a 2-5% chance of survival.

To help increase our citizen’s chances of survival during a sudden cardiac arrest, the Mount Pleasant Fire Department started a Public Access Defibrillation Program in 2003. Since these pilot years, MPFD has greatly expanded its programs and has located AED units in various locations. In addition, MPFD has provided or assisted in the purchase of over 200 units in the tri-county area. WHERE ARE THE AED UNITS?

Through our program we assist you in making arrangements to purchase a low cost defibrillator, provide you free CPR and defibrillator training, free medical control/direction, monitor and performance check your machine monthly and assist with resolving any technical problems that arise. If your unit has a mechanical problem we usually can provide a loaner and assist with 24-hour repair turn around. HOW CAN I ORDER A UNIT NOW?

If you would like some more information or a demonstration please contact the Public Access Coordinator at 843-849-2026.