Cascade Medical Center and Foundation equip downtown businesses with potentially life-saving AEDs

LEAVENWORTH – Businesses in downtown Leavenworth received eight new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) thanks to a collaborative initiative between Cascade Medical Foundation (CMF) and Cascade Medical. 

AEDs are potentially life-saving devices that can be used to treat a person whose heart has suddenly stopped beating. In total, over 30 AED devices are available in locations across the community.

Some of the businesses to receive their first, or second, AED were Wenatchee River Institute, Der Sportsmann, Mountain Modern Supply Co., München Haus, J5 Coffee, and Gustav’s.

The new Physio Control CR2 AEDs were available to businesses free of charge, with the option to add a cabinet for the device, a window sticker, and a response kit, which includes items such as gloves and a pocket mask. Cascade Medical handles the installation, maintenance, and annual inspection. Those receiving the devices can also arrange a First Aid/CPR class with Cascade Medical for their employees.

“There's a plethora of different types of AEDs out there. The [Physio Control] CR2’s are kind of just the new latest and greatest AEDs. They're Wi-Fi capable. They do updates automatically because they're Wi-Fi capable,” said Erin Adams, Medical Supervising Officer at Cascade Medical.

In addition to automatic updates, the new AEDs can alert Adams when one has been used and track data. This information can help Adams better understand resuscitation performance and apply it to training.

“If the AED was used prior to the ambulance getting there, I can take the AED data and I can take the ambulance data and put them together, and you can see this whole chapter of the event, start to finish,” said Adams.

CMF’s efforts to expand the number of new devices available began in 2021, with the goal of replacing 15 old devices and then adding more, according to CMF Administrator Nevonne McDaniels.  With the help of the city’s Lodging Tax Grant, Leavenworth Rotary, Cascade School District, and the Chamber of Commerce, it was able to fundraise over $40,000 for the purchase of 21 AEDs.

“Having AEDs made available to the public is extremely important to me,” said CMF Board Chair Shannon Keller.

Keller joined the board once AED efforts were already underway, but has supported the continuation of it for personal reasons. In 1980, Keller’s father was playing basketball with her 15-year-old brother when his heart stopped beating. A nearby medical student performed CPR on him, and others called an ambulance, but her 49-year-old father had passed away.

“Of course, the technology for AEDs wasn’t available back then - but it is now. I can’t help but wonder if having an AED in the gymnasium might have saved my father. It’s possible that others will be saved, now that we have access to public AEDs,” said Keller.

For this round of AEDs, CMF provided $15,737 for the purchase of the AEDs via grants and donations. CMF utilized a $6,500 lodging tax grant from the City of Leavenworth and over $3,600 raised during last year’s Community Foundation of NCW’s Give NCW online fundraising campaign. The remainder was provided by other CMF donations. Additionally, Cascade Medical purchased cabinets and response kits for the AEDs, totaling the project to $17,000.

CMF plans to continue working with Cascade Medical’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department to expand the number of AEDs in the community while replacing old devices. Fundraising from this fall’s Give NCW campaign will likely go towards the purchase of more AEDs.

“Fortunately, we can do that one device at a time, if needed. Or if we come across a grant, or some opportunity to pay for a bunch, we can do that, too. If anyone is interested in donating funds, give me a shout!” said McDaniels.

Cascade Medical and CMF are currently making a list of businesses and organizations interested in obtaining an AED. To be added to the list, email aed@cascademedical.org.

“It’s better to get it and not need it, than to not get it and need it. Don't be afraid of it, and learn how to use it,” said Adams. 

Adams said those interested in arranging a First Aid/CPR Class can contact the Ambulance Department at Cascade Medical.

A map of AED locations in the community and an instructional how-to video are available at cascademedicalfoundation.org, under ’Projects.’

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media