Mayo offers defibrillator service

DOVER-FOXCROFT — As part of its commitment to making the Maine Highlands one of the safest and most heart-healthy regions in the state, Mayo Regional Hospital has purchased four portable Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) available for public use in regional events.  Mayo has provided this service to local businesses and workplaces over the past six years, and with the purchase of four new units, Mayo can now offer AEDs to the community for special events.  AED units are used to save victims of sudden cardiac arrest.

Mayo keeps at least one unit at each of their three EMS bases in Dexter, Corinth and Dover-Foxcroft. Community members planning a special event (a reception, party, parade or perhaps a large barbeque or clambake) can make arrangements with the staff at their nearest EMS base to reserve and then sign out a defibrillator for use at the event if needed. The device must be returned after the event so that it can be made available to the next group for their function.

An AED is an essential part of treatment for people who suffer a cardiac arrest. When combined with good CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation), the use of an AED early (before paramedics can get to the scene) can help restore life to a victim of sudden death.