Lifesaving equipment will get upgrade in county buildings

EMILY GOJMERAC

REPORTER

The Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in county buildings are pushing the 20 year mark. The Finance Committee meeting met Thursday afternoon to discuss the possibility of updating the units throughout county buildings.

Larry Brandl, Director of Finance stated that after speaking with Michelle Cahoon, Health Department Health Offi cer, that the cost would be an estimated $36,000. To fund this improvement, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money will be used. Included in the $36,000 are cabinets and placards for each unit. This also includes a year of compliance management, which are specialized online tools that help AED owners, AED program managers, and occupational health and safety officers make sure their AEDs are ready to respond in the event of an emergency.

Brandl said “There will be 19 units that will be installed throughout various county buildings. Seventeen of the units will be brand new, while the other two units that we already have are going to be refurbished. There is an estimated 20 year life expectancy for a unit.”

The need for the upgrade is largely due to outdated technology. The new units will be Wi-Fi compliant. With Wi-Fi capability, they can check the batteries of various units without having to physically go to each one in person.

Rollie Thums asked “Are employees going to be given any special training involved with these new units?”

Brandl answered “I know a lot of us throughout the building have CPR training, and who already have training with our current AEDs.”

The committee approved the purchase of the updated AEDs.

The committee decided to establish a written statement to remind organizations when they are receiving federal grants that they use the money for what the grant is initially being applied for. Grant money must be used properly.