Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Initiative
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in the US, killing an estimated 325,000 Americans each year.
- It is estimated that 95 percent of those who suffer cardiac arrest die before they reach a hospital or other source of emergency help.
- SCA kills on average 1,000 people every day. That's one person every two minutes.
- Without emergency medical help, SCA leads to death within minutes.
- Victims of cardiac arrest can be saved if an AED is available to deliver an electric shock and restore the heart to its normal patterned rhythm.
In 2001, DMF responded to a community identified need to strategically place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout our service area to provide immediate access to emergency medical treatment for persons in cardiac arrest.
Our valued partner, Fargo Cass Public Health, Fargo, ND, manages the initiative for DMF.
Since 2000, DMF has invested over $1.3 million in AED equipment and training:- 528 AEDs have been placed with rural first responders, police squad cars, fire department vehicles, and select community locations in DMF's service area
- 1,500 people have been trained in AED use
- 23 lives have been saved through the use of this equipment
Current strategy
To place AED units in rural areas where at least 250 adults over age 50 are located during daytime hours to give them 10-minute access to AED equipment.
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