The following press release was included in the September 25, 2020 edition of the Culpeper Star Exponent.
Earlier this spring, the Culpeper County Department of Emergency Services received a grant from the Culpeper Wellness Foundation to purchase a Lifepak 15. This sophisticated cardiac monitor and automated external defibrillator is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. Lifepak 15 units are one of the most durable defibrillator/monitors on the market currently.
The Culpeper Wellness Foundation holds a unique role in the community as a provider of services, a partner and collaborator with donors, public and private agencies, and as a grantmaker. “Our First Responders are vitally important to the health of our community. Equipping them with lifesaving equipment is just one example of the many ways the Culpeper Wellness Foundation is working to ensure our residents have access to the best health services available, whether that be preventative measures or in an emergency.” offered Shari Landry, Culpeper Wellness Foundation President.
With a significant portion of the Culpeper County population now ages 55 and older, the number of cardiac related calls for emergency response was increasing even prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Laura Loveday, Culpeper County Special Projects and Grant Administrator secured the $43,428 award in April, 2020. Loveday said “Amid many other concerns related to the Covid-19 pandemic were the reports from other states and larger jurisdictions that Coronavirus related calls to 911 could potentially require cardiac care. This concern was what necessitated the addition of new equipment to be added to the Culpeper County Emergency Services lifesaving response vehicles.”
“We have three advanced life support units operating daily in Culpeper County. In the last year we have seen cardiac-related calls increase approximately 26%. I can’t overstate how grateful we are to the Culpeper Wellness Foundation for their generosity and support of Culpeper Emergency Services. The addition of the new Lifepak 15 is literally saving lives in Culpeper County.” said Bill Ooten, Director of Culpeper County Office of Emergency Services.