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October 22, 2009

Derry one of five 'HeartSafe' communities

Town one of five to be awarded 'HeartSafe' status

By Julie Huss

DERRY — The town of Derry is being celebrated as one of the first communities in the state to be "heart safe" when it comes to saving lives.

Last week, the State Department of Health and Human Services and Safety, along with the American Heart Association, honored Derry and four other towns, awarding the distinction of being a "HeartSafe" community. Other communities receiving the honor included Hampton, Manchester, Milford, and Lyme.

"We'd like to congratulate New Hampshire's HeartSafe communities," Department of Safety Commissioner John Barthelmes said. "With the designation each of these communities is increasing the chances that anyone who suffers a cardiovascular emergency within their city or town will have the best possible chance of survival."

All five communities earned the honor through a commitment to strengthening the chain of survival, and making sure all the critical steps are in place when a sudden cardiac attack occurs. These steps include early access to emergency care, CPR, early defibrillation and early advance care. Sudden cardiac arrest is considered to be the number one killer of adults.

Derry Fire Department Directory of Emergency Medical Services Chuck Hemeon, along with Fire Chief George Klauber, accepted Derry's award at the Statehouse in Concord on Oct. 14.

"It's been a lot of hard work and a great cooperation for a lot of people," Hemeon said.

In Derry's case, that cooperation joined town resources together to not only get as many people trained in CPR as possible, but also to secure automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, for town buildings, organizations, and schools. The portable, self-contained defibrillators shock the heart back into rhythm and, in many cases, can make all the difference if someone collapses from a cardiac attack.

Several municipal buildings have defibrillators on site in case of emergency. The Marion Gerrish Community Center has a unit with several people trained to use it, along with the town's municipal center. More sites, like libraries, public areas where people gather, the golf course, and sporting areas, could also put defibrillators on site and train staff in the event of a sudden emergency.

The Derry School District installed AEDs before school opened this fall, with the portable life-saving machines now in all schools. School administration and staff received training this summer on how to use AEDs. Pinkerton Academy has several devices, and the Derry Little League is on board to be heart smart as well.

Each year, more than 95 percent of all sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital. The HeartSafe program encourages New Hampshire communities to improve their capabilities to heart attack victims by increasing the number of people trained in CPR, AEDs, and other life-saving measures.

Hemeon said the response has been great for those wanting to be trained. He hopes more organizations will take on the heart safe challenge and take advantage of the fire department's free CPR and AED training sessions. He said officials will also visit clubs, and groups to speak about the imprtance of early response CPR and defibrillator use.

New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services Deputy Commissioner Mary Ann Cooney said achieving the first five HeartSafe designations was not an easy task for the communities.

"Becoming HeartSafe represents an investment these communities have made to help save lives," Cooney said. "What better way for a community to show its commitment to the health of friends and neighbors than be becoming HeartSafe."

Even in the best case scenario, Hemeon said by the time the first 911 call comes in, and paramedics are dispatched, time is so important in a cardiac case at a public building or other town area. By administering CPR, and if necessary, using a public access AED nearby, the patient's chances of survival climb. During a visit to a local rotary club earlier this year, Hemeon said the chain of survival can be more successful with more people on board to help.

"The emergency services can't do this alone, it truly takes a community," Hemeon said.

As part of Derry's honor, the town received a road sign to indicate the community's HeartSafe status.

Hemeon invited any individual or group interested in CPR/defibrillator training to contact the Derry Fire Department at 432-6751.

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