Providence receives automated external defibrillator

Thanks to an out-of-state donation, Providence High School has its

own automated external defibrillator for emergency use.

Faculty and staff will receive training in its use, and students

enrolled in the school’s medical program will have the opportunity to

see the machine demonstrated.

The defibrillator was donated by Medtronic USA, Inc, a medical

technology company in Redmond, Wash. The machine was procured for the

high school with the help of Larry Dickson, system director of

materials management for the Sisters of Providence, based in Seattle.

According to the American Heart Assn., for each minute that passes

after the onset of cardiac arrest, the chance of survival decreases

by 10%. However, survival rates can be improved by 30% or more if

defibrillation occurs within the first few minutes after a victim

collapses.

Molly Shore