AdventHealth donated three portable Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to the Highlands County Family YMCA during a ceremony on March 16, aiming to enhance emergency preparedness at the facility.
The donation is intended to help ensure that families and visitors have quick access to lifesaving care in case of a cardiac emergency. The LifePak CR2 AEDs include a children’s mode, and one device operates in both English and Spanish, supporting the diverse needs of the community.
A member of the YMCA Board of Directors reached out to AdventHealth about the need for AEDs at the facility. Jason Dunkel, president and CEO of AdventHealth Sebring, Lake Placid and Wauchula, said, “Supporting the health and safety of our neighbors is central to our mission. AEDs are critical during sudden cardiac emergencies, especially in public places where quick action can save a life. We’re honored to work alongside the YMCA to help keep our community safe.”
James Leicht, clinical outcomes coordinator for AdventHealth Sebring’s heart and vascular center, provided training on how to use the devices for YMCA leaders and staff. Dimitri Baussan, Chief Executive Officer of Highlands County Family YMCA, said, “On behalf of the Highlands County Family YMCA, we are deeply grateful to AdventHealthf for this generous donation. These AEDs are critical life-saving tools that help ensure the safety of every child, family and senior who walks through our doors. Partnerships like this truly strengthen the health and well-being of our entire community.”
The American Heart Association has found that nine out of ten people with cardiac arrest who receive an AED shock within one minute survive.
AdventHealth Orlando was founded in 1908 in Orlando, Florida. Its current president is Terry Shaw. The hospital includes a pediatric ward and serves as a training hospital according to the organization.
