
An AED or Automatic External Defibrillator is a portable medical device that safely delivers electrical energy to the heart to keep blood circulating during cardiac arrest. An AED actually reads the heart rhythms of the victim and delivers a shock only if symptoms dictate.
Ideally, any business, organization or place of public assembly would benefit from an AED. They are small, yet effective, and can be used by anyone with only minimal training.
According to the American Heart Association, 225,000 adult Americans die each year from cardiac arrest, and $250 billion is lost each year due to health care costs and loss of productivity. Intervention within the first four-to-six minutes can mean the difference between life and death for a heart attack victim.
To be most effective, AED's must be readily available. That's why the Geneva Fire Department is offering to help local businesses, organizations and other establishments install an AED on their premises, and will assist with purchasing units to be placed in City of Geneva buildings and vehicles. The Geneva Park District, Geneva High School, Geneva Middle School, Fox Valley Ice Arena, Continental Envelope, and Burgess Norton Mfg. all own AED's.
If you are interested in, making a lifesaving contribution to the community by purchasing one of these units or would like to make a financial donation to help offset the costs

of the program please contact the Geneva Fire Department at 630-232-2530.
AED units range from $1,500 to $1,800 each, depending on the accessories selected.
The Geneva Fire Department will provide both initial and ongoing training in the proper use of the AED device free of charge.