Matthew Baker, Sales Manager of HeartSine Technologies was having lunch with Robert Pryce, the Operations Director of EMS Safety Services on the San Clemente Pier. During lunch, Matt and Rob noticed the outdated AEDs (automated external defibrillators) mounted to the 4-wheel drive rescue vehicles of the local lifeguards. Not only were the units outdated, and thus difficult to perform essential upkeep, but also unsuited for treating pediatric patients, and not designed for the rugged conditions lifeguards face on a daily basis. They knew what they had to do: team up in order to bring the latest lifesaving technology to local beachgoers. Three months later, after some initial planning, the date was set, the units were ready for service, and the San Clemente Mayor and Marine Safety Officers were prepared to graciously accept the donation of 5 new HeartSine Samaritan PAD 300P units.
AED units are used in a life-threate
ning situation called sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). This occurs when the heart’s regular rhythm is interrupted, which in turn stops the pumping of blood, and thus oxygen, throughout the body. Though CPR is an essential step in SCA, access to an AED is needed within minutes for the best chance of survival. With these units mounted to the San Clemente Lifeguards’ all-terrain vehicles, they will be dispatched to such emergencies and apply the AED in a timely fashion. Plus, the HeartSine Samaritan PAD 300P’s rugged design makes it the perfect unit for emergency medical professionals in any situation: rain, sand or shine.
Although the weather did not look promising on Monday morning, by 2 p.m., the clouds had lifted, and the sun was shining. Mayor Bob Baker, San Clemente Marine Safety Officers Bill Humphrey and Rod Mellott, HeartSine Sales Manager Matthew Baker, and President of EMS Safety, Marian Lepore, along with Rob Pryce and the rest of their team, came together in the interest of ensuring local beachgoers have access to advanced lifesaving technology. According to the San Clemente Marine Safety Division (Ocean Lifeguard Division), more than 2.4 million people visit a 2-mile stretch of local beach. These units are sure to make a big difference!
ABC 7 Local News covered the event. The segment appeared that evening on the 6 o’clock news. Other local news outlets included the OC Register and the San Clemente Times, so keep an eye out for additional coverage! Many locals and tourists also stopped to check out the action and see the new AED units mounted to the rescue vehicles.
All in all, the event was a huge success: beachgoers now have access to new advanced AED units, lifeguards have an AED that is safe to use on pediatric patients, and HeartSine along with EMS Safety had the opportunity to give back to the community. Be sure to look for EMS Safety at future community events, and remember: Prepare, Practice, Perform.
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