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Lompoc installs AEDs at city hall, library to help prevent cardiac arrest deaths

Posted at 5:00 PM, Feb 14, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-14 20:03:11-05

The City of Lompoc installed new automated external defibrillators, known as AEDs, at the Lompoc Library and Lompoc City Hall.

Employees are trained on how to use this medical device which analyzes the heart’s rhythm and delivers an electric shock to those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

The City of Lompoc is looking to increase the number of AEDs available around the city, but they still need funding. The device initially costs $2,800.

City of Lompoc safety officer Jo Cavanaugh and the new AED at Lompoc City Hall. (Photo courtesy City of Lompoc)

 

In addition to city hall and the library, AEDs are now at the water treatment site, wastewater processing site, the aquatics center and in the electrical and urban forestry bucket trucks.

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the nation, killing 300,000 people every year. The City of Lompoc wants to decrease the number of fatalities locally, and they say having AEDs around can increase the survival rate by almost 10 times.