| TCI resident donates life saving equipment |
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| Thursday, 03 May 2012 08:25 | |||
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A big-hearted resident is doing his bit to improve people’s safety in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Patrick Firmenich has donated three automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to the Emergency Medical Service (EMS). The electronic machines, which can diagnose and correct arrhythmia of the heart, are both state of the art and portable, allowing use in any location. For EMS Director Pat Riel, the donation is a high point in an ongoing campaign to increase the number of AEDs available and immediately accessible on the islands. “Patient outcomes related to out of hospital cardiac arrest can be dramatically improved upon with early CPR and the use of an AED,” Riel said. “The need for easily accessible defibrillators in the TCI has been a priority for some time because, quite simply, they are mobile, easy to use and can absolutely save lives. “With the help of InterHealth Canada and Crime Stoppers, we have been working with Mr. Firmenich to obtain these AEDs and put them into operation. This will directly impact on cardiac arrest survivability in TCI.” “Patrick Firmenich is a part time TCI resident who just wants to support the community and we are truly grateful that he has chosen to back this particular project,” Riel said. “His amazing gesture is a massive boost to both EMS and to everyone who lives in and visits the TCI.” EMS wasted no time in putting the AEDs to good use, and the service has already donated one of the machines to the police — a first in the Caribbean. Officers will carry it aboard their new all terrain vehicle (ATV), which is being used to patrol the beach at Grace Bay. “This is a wonderful piece of equipment, and we are really grateful to both EMS and Patrick Firmenich for their generosity,” said Community Police Officer Melonda Robinson. “Again this is a wonderful example of the police working together with both the community and other agencies such as EMS, the Zero Tolerance Group and Crime Stoppers. “Often we as police officers are the first on scene at medical emergencies, and the AED is yet another vital tool when it comes to helping save people’s lives.” Riel recently held an intensive AED training course for police officers. “All the emergency services work closely here in the TCI, and I am delighted to have had the opportunity to donate the AED to the police and train officers how to use it,” Riel said. “Together we are all making the TCI a better, safer place to live, work and visit, and again I thank everyone for their continued support.”
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