Businessman donates defibrillator to local community

Keith Hill and his Rector Drug and Medical Supply pharmacy and store have long been at the forefront of working hard to ensure the entire community has access to the necessary medicine and equipment to live healthy lives. Hill took another big step Tuesday, Jan. 20, in his goal of promoting a healthy and safe Rector, as he donated a Cardiac Science Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for use in the entire community.

"This is kicking off our Health and Wellness Program," Hill said. "Each year we make contributions to different areas in the community. This year, we wanted to do something that would benefit the entire community. This defibrillator has the ability to save someone's life. My hope is that we never have to use it."

As one of the most widely visited areas in Rector, the high school gymnasium, was chosen as the home for the emergency equipment. The location is ideal, considering the amount of physical activity which takes place there.

Cardiac Science territory sales manager Scott Foster gave a demonstration Tuesday morning at the gym on how to use the AED. Those attending included coaches Mark Manchester, Nate Henderson, Matt Mills and Bob Alberson, school nurse Lorna McCluskey and first responders from the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center ambulance service.

Foster discussed the features of the AED, highlighting the ease with which the system can be used.

"We had to make it dummy-proof," Foster said. "It's a very scary situation if this device is needed. We wanted to make it simple and easy to use because in a cardiac arrest, each second counts."

Foster said when a person goes into cardiac arrest, responders have three to five minutes to save the individual's life. According to Foster, cardiac arrest kills 350,000 to 400,000 people each year.

To make the best use of those precious minutes, the AED features voice-assisted instructions for use. Instructions also are delivered in text on a small digital screen on the device. The AED walks the user through each step of its use. The machine further avoids human error by determining whether or not the patient requires an electric shock. If treatment is needed, the machine then calculates the necessary degree of the electric shock.

The shock is delivered through coated electrical wires connecting the AED with plastic applicator pads. The pads are placed directly to the bare skin on both sides of the person's heart. The pads serve as the connection point for the AED's scan of the person and delivery of the shock.

The system also comes with a separate, smaller set of pads for use on children who weigh under 55 pounds. The AED also features a CPR kit to assist in the emergency technique.

Through the ease of its use, the equipment eliminates much of the guesswork involved in an emergency situation.

The AED also has simple maintenance. When stored in its enclosure, a light on the machine is clearly visible. If the light is green, it's in working order. A red light indicates the machine is not in proper working order. The battery used in the AED is guaranteed for four years from the date of installation. The pads which attach the AED to the cardiac victim have a shelf life of about two years.

The AED also features voice instruction on the application of CPR, assisting responders in the proper amount and timing of the procedure.

"This is something that could very well save a life," said Rector superintendent Rob Louder. "We're very grateful to Keith Hill and Rector Drug and Medical Supply for making this equipment available to our school and the Rector community."

Hill also announced another way in which he and his business are offering health assistance to the community. Effective immediately, the pharmacy is offering everyone in the community a 30-day supply of vitamins. Hill stressed the vitamins are absolutely free for one month with no strings attached. All that is required is the approval of a doctor for those who wish to take advantage of the offer.

"This is something we're doing to help the community in a small way," Hill said.

Those who are interested in receiving the vitamins must have a proof of their doctor's consent. Once approval from the doctor is obtained, interested persons may visit Rector Drug and Medical Supply at 403 Main Street.