Wilmington College is engaging in a campuswide Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) installation project after securing 18 new AEDs that will replace older ones and expand the number of locations where the potentially lifesaving units are placed.
Sigrid Solomon, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said the College “recognizes the important role” played by having strategically placed AED units across the campus. “These life-saving devices serve as critical safety infrastructure, reducing response times and improving outcomes for individuals experiencing cardiac emergencies.”
The Clinton County Foundation awarded WC a $25,000 grant for 17 AEDs, which was complemented by a gift of an additional unit given by the family of Kate Earley in her memory. Earley was a firefighter and fire inspector in Wilmington for many years before moving to Columbus. Her family, parents Don and Nan Muchmore and sister Bekah Wall, a WC alumna and faculty member, said Earley loved to train others in CPR and remind persons to become certified in emergency resuscitation methods.
“Using this story to spread the word would have made Kate happy,” Wall added.
Solomon added that the College is grateful to the Foundation and the Muchmore family for recognizing the value in having these units easily accessible throughout the campus.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, with thousands of cases occurring annually. Quick access to defibrillators dramatically improves survival rates by delivering a life-saving shock within minutes of cardiac arrest.
While the College has placed AEDs throughout campus facilities for more than 20 years, those initial areas selected were largely located where public gatherings were held. The College recognized a need for a more comprehensive installation of AEDs throughout the campus, including residence halls, academic buildings, Watson Library, the Academic Farm, etc. In addition to the purchase of the units, the College will actively provide training sessions for students, faculty and staff.
This project aligns with the Clinton County Foundation’s HealthFirst for Clinton County program mission of promoting community health and safety.