'Literally the difference between life & death': ODR donating defibrillators to schools
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Oklahoma Disaster Restoration (ODR) donated an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) to the Yale Public School District on Thursday.
The donation is the fourth in a series of donations being given to Oklahoma schools. The first donation went to Prue Public Schools, then to Glencoe Schools and San Miguel Schools.
“We are very excited about this new Defibrillator,” said Yale Schools Superintendent Rocky Kennedy. “The more we can do to provide safety for our students, our fans, our coaching staff, and even opposing fans and players, the better.”
Oklahoma Disaster Restoration says it is part of their goal of giving back to the community.
“Just think of growing up in a small town how intertwined our lives are, knowing everyone in that small town. If one person there dies, it affects the whole community,” said ODR General Manager Tammy Stokes. “Having an AED could save a life! It provides valuable data for first responders and is easy for a layman to set up.”
An AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is a serious condition that in some cases may be fatal.
“Speed is the key to saving a life when it comes to a cardiac event. With Yale being so far from a hospital an AED can literally be the difference between life and death” said ODR Commercial Business Development representative Brady Deaton.
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The AED device treats conditions through defibrillation, which allows the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm. The device is designed to be used by a layperson through simple audio and visual commands that are taught in many first-aid, certified first responder and basic life support level cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes.
ODR says they plan to give more defibrillators away to schools in need.
“We are so blessed to be able to donate to our Oklahoma community of schools," Stokes said. "We will continue to make these in-kind contributions as long we can. Generosity is a way of exercising our faith, and returning to our community what God has entrusted to us.”
Schools that are interested in being considered for a donation or are interested in a no-cost emergency plan can call (918) 622-7641, or email brady.deaton@okdisaster.com.
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