Encana donates for Automatic External Defibrillators for schools
$5,000 donation to Sublette County School District #1
by Sublette County School District #1
April 20, 2011
Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. donated $5,000 to Sublette County School District #1 to purchase five Automatic External Defibrillators (AED’s). The easy-to-use, portable Zoll AED Plus devices were installed in areas that are near physical activity and attract crowds – Pinedale Elementary School gymnasium, Pinedale Middle School gymnasium, Pinedale High School auditorium and gymnasium, and the Wrangler Gym.
"AED’s save lives. They also prevent injury, promote healthcare and emergency services, and protect the wellbeing of our students, teachers, community members and visitors attending public events," said Randy Teeuwen, Encana community relations advisor. "Encana is pleased to make this meaningful contribution to enhance wellness and recreation safety for our schools and students."
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is unpredictable and can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. It occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating normally and cannot effectively pump blood. Using AED’s helps save lives by shocking the heart and restoring normal heart rhythms.
According to the American Heart Association, SCA is a leading cause of cardiac-related death, and communities with AED programs, including comprehensive CPR and AED training, achieve survival rates of 40 percent or higher. In fact, when an AED is used within the first minute, up to 90 percent of victims may survive.
"While many states require AED’s in school sports facilities, the State of Wyoming neither requires it or funds it," explained Jay Harnack, Sublette County School District #1 superintendent. "We recognize the need for these lifesaving devices and are dedicated to seeing this measure of safety afforded to our students, parents and community members."
"We appreciate Encana’s generous donation to acquire and place these AED’s," said Harnack. "QEP also donated funds for this project, and we are fortunate to partner with local businesses that care about the safety of our schools and community."
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