Here's something you might be interested in.
I was reading Jim Madaffer's (City Council)newsletter where he talks about installing AED (automated external defribillators) devices in new construction. While this is a noble idea, it does not seem practical or wise to do so. In my research, the thing that is emphasized is training. Per the AHA:
"Lay rescuer AED programs (also known as Public Access Defibrillation or PAD programs) train lay rescuers such as security guards, police and firefighters in CPR and use of an AED and equip the rescuers with automated external defibrillators (de-FIB'rih-la-torz). "
Further information is available on the AHA website: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4483
When there are large events, paramedics and other medical personnel are on site and there are AEDs available for use. There may be AEDs in buildings that house senior citizens or at gyms. At baseball games, concerts, parades, football games, etc., the on site medical personnel carry AEDs. These are certainly wonderful devices, but watching ER, or House or any medical show on TV does not qualify a person for use of these devices.
Before the City passes this ordinance, the Council should request an AED and have each and every member of the City Council use it, without ANY training. I imagine this would be an interesting and informative exercise.
There is also a cost consideration. Will the City purchase these devices? Who is responsible for periodic maintenance? Where will they be housed? What about theft, is there a plan to prevent that? If so, would the AED be accessible?
Places of risk should make their own decisions as the devices are not cheap, around $1200. Like previously stated, this is a noble plan, but not ready for implementation. Training is the key. It is like CPR, which is the adjunct to the AED, training is important & necessary.
One other piece in the newsletter was about CCDC. Mr. Madaffer sings its praises. This agency may have been useful at the time it was formed. What have they done lately? How much has it cost taxpayers? How about some real discussion about closing down CCDC? This is a quote from the newsletter:
"The downtown population doubled since 2000 and as a result, 15,814 new housing units have been built. In fact, affordable housing is a top priority for CCDC which authorized more than $100 million for affordable housing the fiscal year 2008 budget"
This is a sore subject. It's like Find Waldo. So, exactly where are these places? And, who can afford them? Those on fixed income cannot and I wonder who can? With the current financial mess, created by greedy CEOs with a little help from their friends, the mortgage brokers and financial advisors, this City really should have affordable housing.
I can tell you right now that someone in the government of this City will refer me to look at the websites of CCDC & CCAC. Been there, done that.
So long
I was reading Jim Madaffer's (City Council)newsletter where he talks about installing AED (automated external defribillators) devices in new construction. While this is a noble idea, it does not seem practical or wise to do so. In my research, the thing that is emphasized is training. Per the AHA:
"Lay rescuer AED programs (also known as Public Access Defibrillation or PAD programs) train lay rescuers such as security guards, police and firefighters in CPR and use of an AED and equip the rescuers with automated external defibrillators (de-FIB'rih-la-torz). "
Further information is available on the AHA website: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4483
When there are large events, paramedics and other medical personnel are on site and there are AEDs available for use. There may be AEDs in buildings that house senior citizens or at gyms. At baseball games, concerts, parades, football games, etc., the on site medical personnel carry AEDs. These are certainly wonderful devices, but watching ER, or House or any medical show on TV does not qualify a person for use of these devices.
Before the City passes this ordinance, the Council should request an AED and have each and every member of the City Council use it, without ANY training. I imagine this would be an interesting and informative exercise.
There is also a cost consideration. Will the City purchase these devices? Who is responsible for periodic maintenance? Where will they be housed? What about theft, is there a plan to prevent that? If so, would the AED be accessible?
Places of risk should make their own decisions as the devices are not cheap, around $1200. Like previously stated, this is a noble plan, but not ready for implementation. Training is the key. It is like CPR, which is the adjunct to the AED, training is important & necessary.
One other piece in the newsletter was about CCDC. Mr. Madaffer sings its praises. This agency may have been useful at the time it was formed. What have they done lately? How much has it cost taxpayers? How about some real discussion about closing down CCDC? This is a quote from the newsletter:
"The downtown population doubled since 2000 and as a result, 15,814 new housing units have been built. In fact, affordable housing is a top priority for CCDC which authorized more than $100 million for affordable housing the fiscal year 2008 budget"
This is a sore subject. It's like Find Waldo. So, exactly where are these places? And, who can afford them? Those on fixed income cannot and I wonder who can? With the current financial mess, created by greedy CEOs with a little help from their friends, the mortgage brokers and financial advisors, this City really should have affordable housing.
I can tell you right now that someone in the government of this City will refer me to look at the websites of CCDC & CCAC. Been there, done that.
So long