Press Releases (2005)

HeartReach Michiana Donates “Lifesavers”
December 14, 2005

Elkhart, IN - Many organizations around Michiana are better prepared to save the lives of heart attack victims, thanks to recent donations of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) by HeartReach Michiana.

“With minimal training, most people can use a portable AED to restart someone’s heart in the event of sudden cardiac arrest,” explains cardiothoracic surgeon Walter Halloran, MD. “In effect, AEDs greatly expand the ranks of ‘first responders’ who will be able to save the life of heart attack victims. It won’t be necessary to wait for trained paramedics.”

When someone’s heart has stopped, every minute that passes is potentially deadly. “In most cases, after about two to three minutes, you enter the ‘danger zone,’” Halloran says.

AEDs weigh less than five pounds and can be wall-mounted or kept in a carrying case. The devices have a display that prompts the user and they automatically determine whether a lifesaving shock is required.

At a cost of about $2,500 each, 33 units have been provided to date. Some 23 units were given to the Elkhart Community School District. Also receiving units were Hope Rescue Mission, the Center for the Homeless, Ancilla College, Mishawaka Police Department, Southwest Michigan College, Goshen College, Riley High School, and Washington High School.

HeartReach Michiana is a newly formed charitable organization exclusively dedicated to the “heart health” of Michiana residents. Proceeds from its first major fund raising event, a golf outing held in May at Knollwood Country Club, are being used to provide the free AEDs. Halloran, who is Medical Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Elkhart General Hospital, is President of the HeartReach Board of Directors.

HeartReach Michiana is presently accepting requests for AEDs. For more information, please contact Teri Verba at (574) 522-6565.