HeartSAFE Berks County AED Loaner Program
An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) can give a second chance to a person suffering cardiac arrest. AED’s are portable, self-contained and require only basic instructions to use. However, to be effective, they must also be on-hand.
An AED is often available at businesses, schools and other public venues; however, many gatherings and events take place without an AED nearby. To help make this lifesaving technology more readily available, Western Berks Ambulance (WBEMS) and The Friends of Reading Hospital have partnered to offer the HeartSAFE Berks County AED Loaner Program.
If you are an event organizer or someone planning a large group event in Berks County, you can request a FREE AED. Consider the following:
• Does the event location lack an available AED?
• Will your event have attendees at risk for cardiac arrest, such as elderly guests?
• Will your event have athletes engaging in strenuous activities?
• Will there be a guest(s) present with a known history of cardiac episodes?
• Are you planning a large-scale event with more than 500 people?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, a loaned AED from The Friends of Reading Hospital and Western Berks Ambulance is a wise step toward ensuring your event is as safe as possible.
How does the AED Loaner Program work?
If you are interested in having an AED at your event, contact Western Berks Ambulance at 610-678-1545 or aedloaner@wbems.org. Your request must be received no later than two weeks prior to the event date. Your request will be reviewed and is subject to unit and training availability.
Prior to AED pick-up, chest compression training and a review of the AED Instruction Video is required (if you have an active CPR certification card, the chest compression training is optional).
Training, AED pick-up and return are available at WBEMS. For a weekend event, the AED must be picked up the Friday prior to the event and returned the following Monday. A $250 refundable deposit is required at the time of pick up.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Taking the step to have an AED will give you peace of mind and could make a lifesaving difference for your event guests.