Thanks to the efforts of the American Heart Association and Senator Richard Moore (D-Uxbridge), the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) is now accepting applications from towns, school districts, and municipal entities for grants to help purchase automated external defibrillators (AED’s).
Last year, Senator Moore successfully advocated for $250,000 in the FY14 State Budget to help local entities and school districts purchase AED’s. The funds were appropriated to an account now known as the state “AED Trust Fund.”
Eligible applicants for the AED matching grants include: municipalities; local and regional school districts; senior centers; and senior housing complexes. Applicants will be reimbursed 50 percent of the cost of AED’s, up to $10,000. Funding is available on a first come, first served basis. EOPSS is now accepting letters of intent. The deadline to apply is May 2, 2014 at 4:00pm. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. To apply please click here: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/eops/aedgrantprogramoutline.pdf.
More about AEDs:
The automated external defibrillator (AED) is a computerized medical device. An AED can check a person’s heart rhythm. It can recognize a rhythm that requires a shock. And it can advise the rescuer when a shock is needed. The AED uses voice prompts, lights and text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take. AEDs are very accurate and easy to use. With a few hours of training, anyone can learn to operate an AED safely.
The American Heart Association strongly advocates that all EMS first-response vehicles and ambulances be equipped with an AED or another defibrillation device (semiautomatic or manual defibrillator). The American Heart Association also supports placing AEDs in targeted public areas such as sports arenas, gated communities, office complexes, doctor’s offices, shopping malls, etc. When AEDs are placed in the community or a business or facility, the AHA strongly encourages that they be part of a defibrillation program in which:
• Persons that acquire an AED notify the local EMS office.
• A licensed physician or medical authority provides medical oversight to ensure quality control.
• Persons responsible for using the AED are trained in CPR and how to use an AED.