AED Initiative started to save lives in the county

As the first donation for the AED Initiative that is in the works, Cadott Police Chief Daryl Pries (center) accepted $10,000, from the Chippewa Falls Knights of Columbus. The goal of the initiative is to raise almost $83,000, for 46 AED units to be placed in every law enforcement squad car in Chippewa County. Submitted Photo

By Ginna Young

Every law enforcement officer can tell you, in a situation where minutes count, having the right equipment is essential. That’s why Cadott Police Chief Daryl Pries started the AED Initiative, to obtain funding for 46 units, that will be distributed to law enforcement squads throughout Chippewa County.

When working in a rural community, the reality is, EMS services may not be available or may need to come from long distances. Even if it’s a 10-minute wait, a patient in cardiac arrest might not have that much time.

“That’s 10 minutes too long, for some people,” said Pries.

As a responder who is usually first on-scene before the paramedics arrive, Pries saw a new need and was able to get a couple units for the Cadott Police Department squads. But, it didn’t stop there, as he listened to calls on the radio from other communities and realized automated external defibrillators (AED) are needed in every agency in the county.

“We’re in an age where cardiac arrests happen everywhere,” said Pries, adding the AEDs show the user how to operate them, right on the unit. “You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know how to use them.”

However, the 46 units needed come with a hefty price tag, at $1,800 a pop. Pries thought he had funding for the almost $83,000 needed, but that fell through, so he started over. So far, $10,000 has been raised, with the remaining needed to order the units.

Once they are in possession of the AEDs, departments will be responsible for the maintenance of the device, such as a new battery and new pads.

To donate to the project, Pries can be reached at dpries@ villageofcadott.com or by calling 715-289-4238. Pries knows that not everyone will benefit from the AEDs, as each case is different, but that it will save lives. “That’s the ultimate goal,” he said. “Preservation of life is the most important thing we’re out here to do and this is a tool that does that.”