New AED Stations Installed in Six Area Schools

Registered School Nurse Betsy Brooks, Health Assistant Emma Beckwith, and Director of Elementary and Special Programs Susan Van Liew attended a public distribution reception on Friday, May 4, 2018 at the Chinook Winds Casino Resort. They were there to pick up a check from the Siletz Charitable Contribution Fund needed to purchase life-saving equipment for the school district.

Emma Beckwith wrote the winning grant application stating that Lincoln County School District currently has at least one AED (Automated External Defibrillator) in each of the County schools but that we needed six additional units to meet the goal to have one AED unit per every 200 students. The Siletz Charitable Contribution Fund provided funding in full. The School District Nurse’s Office will be placing the order this month.

AEDs are a portable device that will automatically diagnose and treat a heart rhythm during a life-treatening medical emergency, and will provide live CPR feedback. According to Emma Beckwith, “Having two AEDs in different locations of the school will aid in the safety of our students, staff, and community members. We are grateful for the grant being awarded so we can meet this goal.”

New units will be installed at Toledo Elementary, Yaquina View Elementary, Newport Middle School, Crestview Heights, Taft Elementary, and Oceanlake Elementary which were all in need of a second AED in their buildings. The new AEDs will come with a portable carrying case for easy mobility.