Automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) can save your life in the event of a heart attack.
But honestly, Bayfield could use some more units, say officers at Upper Pine River Fire Protection District.
Upper Pine hosted the Feb. 12 meeting of the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce and showed members how easy it is to use an AED. They also demonstrated a new, simpler method of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The new techniques and technology, particularly the AEDs, "make all the difference in the world" in the case of a heart attack, said Bruce Evans, chief of Upper Pine. In fact, one of the safest places to have a heart attack is on the Las Vegas Strip because so many casinos have AEDs throughout their facilities, he said.
Bayfield has five AEDs in its schools, two at the marshals office and in all of the deputies' vehicles, the senior center, parks and rec gym, both banks, and Dr. Knight's dental office and the U.S. Forest Service office downtown. Heartwood Cohousing has a unit west of Bayfield. All La Plata County Sheriff's vehicles also have AEDs, and about 14 deputies live in the Upper Pine district, Evans added.
Chamber members said having units at the library, Lions Club, one in Gem Village, and a downtown restaurant would be good locations.
AEDs cost about $1,700, but with grants, Heartsafe La Plata can provide them for about $900, Upper Pine staff said.
Having businesses chip in $100 each and keeping it in a central location might be a good option, Harding said.
There are three AEDs in Vallecito, and dozens in Ignacio, mostly in the tribal buildings, but also in all of the schools and in Ignacio Town Hall.
Capt. Cate Harding demonstrated how the AEDs work, complete with vocal commands that tell the operator where to place the pads.
"It won't let you screw up," said Casey Cook, an Upper Pine board member.
In a study between professional emergency personnel and sixth graders, it only took the sixth graders about 30 seconds longer to operate an AED than trained medical staff, Harding said.
The good news is that 50 students at Bayfield High School are now certified in CPR, Evans said. The new techniques emphasize hard, fast chest compressions.
Upper Pine teaches CPR classes, along with Heartsafe La Plata, which provides the training for operating the AEDs.
More information is at www.heartsafelaplata.org.
