The Chester County First Responders Rescue Squad was presented with their first Automated External Defibrillator (AED), December 22.

Dillion Faulkner, captain of the unit received the AED from Tracy Case – Executive Director, Friends of Heart.

Dillion stated they will be better equipped for a positive outcome with their AED being on the emergency scene. He stated one of the most frequent emergency calls include symptoms of chest pain.

One of the main goals of Friends of Heart is to provide area communities with live-saving resources.

These devices recalibrate deadly heart rhythms of a person who has gone into cardiac arrest. These actions can mean the difference between life and death, especially in rural areas where it can take EMS longer to arrive. The AEDs are simple to use and can be operated without a medical professional present.

Friends of Heart’s main Key Initiatives –

* Increase opportunities for clinical research and technological advancement in West Tennessee

* Develop and fund better community outreach, education, and resource development

* Develop a mechanism for improved staff education and development

* Construct the first integrated heart center within our 18-county region

(PHOTO: Tracy Case, Friends of Heart presents an AED to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office – courtesy Friends of Heart)