Have you ever noticed the medical equipment in Emergency Equipment Supplies alcove of the Gathering Space at St. Therese of Lisieux while on your way into Church? Do you know some of the equipment could help save someone’s life during an emergency? Although we arranged this area about 4 years ago, some people may not be familiar with it. So, I thought I would spend a few minutes discussing what is included in this area. I urge you to take a couple of minutes to check it out on your way into or out of church.
The white metal box on the upper left side contains an AED (automated external defibrillator). An AED is a small portable device used to correct abnormal activity in the heart by delivering an electrical shock to certain cardiac rhythms. The device analyzes the heart rhythm to determine if the rhythm can be corrected by defibrillation. If the rhythm is shockable, the machine will deliver a shock. If no shock is needed, it will tell you that. If there is a medical emergency and an AED is needed, open the metal case it is enclosed in. A loud alarm will sound once the door is opened, but that is “ok”. It will let others in the building know there is an emergency and to call 911. Take the AED out of the secured metal enclosure and open the AED lid. All you need to do is hit the “on” button, and the AED will then instruct you to do the rest. All you have to do is listen and follow the instructions. You can successfully help save someone’s life by listening and following simple step-by step directions from the device. AED’s should be used on victims “at risk” of sudden cardiac arrest. You do not need to be trained, licensed, nor certified in any way to be able or eligible to use this device, but it is very helpful if you have been trained. If there is a Healthcare Provider on site, they will ask you to bring the device to them for the emergency.
The Red Trauma Kit on the upper right side of the alcove contains trauma supplies. Recently, the Health Ministry hosted the Shelby Township Fire Department which demonstrated how to use the supplies in this kit, should there be a traumatic event at our church, such as a shooting. The Fire Department demonstrated how to apply pressure to wounds and apply a tourniquet to a bleeding limb. Although we all like to think something like this would never happen in a school or church, we are mistaken. If this equipment was ever needed, all you need to do is open the plastic snaps on the right side of the kit, take down from the wall, and bring the kit to the emergency.
The Red Back Pack on the bottom left corner of the alcove is a back pack that contains emergency equipment/supplies. Included is a stethoscope, blood pressure machine, scissors, gauze, bandages, drinks, glucose tabs, and other equipment a Health Provider can use in an emergency situation in church should someone faint, become unconscious, fall and hit their head, or other type of events until 911 responds. This equipment in this back pack is for ease of use, should it be needed by the Healthcare Provider assisting with the emergency.
The last piece of equipment in the Emergency Equipment Supplies alcove on the right lower corner is an Ambu- Bag. This is a device that provides air (breaths) to the person who needs help breathing during the emergency. And, last but not least, designate someone to call 911!
The St. Therese of Lisieux Health Ministry has provided “emergency” education to staff, ushers, the K of C. and other ministries. CPR class includes AED training. We have two short instructional videos of the AED on the St. Therese of Lisieux Website, under the Health Ministry tab. I would recommend you watch them. They demonstrate how to use the AED and addresses common questions people may have regarding the use of the AED.
Unfortunately, medical emergencies on church premises can occur at all times of the day, and the staff, K of C, and ushers may not be available to assist. So, we ask that you take a moment to familiarize yourself with the emergency equipment, should you ever be requested to bring the equipment to the emergency.
You never know when an emergency might occur and you might be in a situation where you can help save someone’s life! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Marilyn Cito RN, the Parish Nurse at 586-254-4433 Extension #320.
