Dennis Nagy, chair of the SIPOA Safety and Security Committee, has announced that the automated external defibrillator units (AEDs) owned by SIPOA are being replaced because the manufacturer will soon stop supporting the older equipment through parts supply. While few of the AEDs have been used, they can be critical to saving the life of someone suffering a cardiac arrhythmia while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
The AEDS have not only clear visual instructions but also clear audio instructions. They were designed to be simple to use even without any training.
SIPOA owns eight AEDs that are tested daily. Three are located in the Lake House, one in each of the three SIPOA Security vehicles, one at the Oyster Catcher Community Center, and one at the SIPOA Administration Facility on Landfall Way. As no employee is normally at the Oyster Catcher Community Center, the AED there is located outside to the right and around the corner of the building on the outside wall near the pool.
Other AED units on the Island can be found in various high profile locations. The Seabrook Island Club has four: one at the Island House, one at the Pelican’s Nest, one at the Maintenance and Engineering Facility, and one at the Racquet Club. Camp St. Christopher has one, and the Town has two: one at the Town Hall and one on the Beach Vehicle. Personnel working at those facilities know the specific location for each AED.
Funding for that replacement (about $12,600) was included in the 2015 budget. Once the new AEDs are delivered, the older AEDs will be held in reserve.
Arrival of the new equipment along with photos will be announced in Tidelines and in the weekly SIPOA e-blast.
–Updated by Dennis Nagy; Chair, SIPOA Safety and Security Committee