Community Hospital Health Foundation is proud to announce a grant awarded to support the purchase of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for Community Hospital’s Sports Medicine Team. The Sports Medicine Team provides support to McCook Public Schools and McCook Community College athletic programs. Rebecca Lampe, Orthopedic Clinic Coordinator, submitted the request to ensure enhanced safety for athletes and spectators at community sports activities.

An AED is a life-saving medical device designed to analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock to restore a normal heartbeat. These devices are critical in responding to sudden cardiac arrest, providing crucial, timely intervention until emergency medical services arrive.

Previously, Evan Dekok, Certified Athletic Trainer (AT-C), and fellow team members, relied on AEDs stationed at local schools, temporarily removing them for use at events. With the addition of this new AED, the devices stationed at schools will remain on-site, ensuring both the schools and sporting events are fully equipped to respond to cardiac emergencies.

“This grant allows us to better support the health and safety of our athletes,” Lampe stated. “Having an AED readily available at sporting events means quicker response times, which can be life-saving in a cardiac emergency.”

The Health Foundation’s support reflects its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. By providing this portable AED, the Foundation underscores its dedication to advancing health and emergency preparedness across the region.