TrustBank Trains Employees to use AEDs
(January 27, 2005)
TrustBank recently held a meeting to train employees on how to use
a device that could save someone's life. Sixteen
people from the bank's three facilities attended the meeting on
Jan. 13 at the main branch.
The bank recently
purchased three Automated External Defibrillators, also known as
AEDs. The
devices make it possible for lay people with minimum training to
restore proper heart rhythm.
TrustBank is
the first bank in Olney to have the devices.
"We put
our customers first at TrustBank," said Marketing Officer Debi
Phillips.
Richland Memorial
Hospital Nurse Manager Cindy Bailey RN BSN was on hand to assist
in the AED training. A
mannequin was successfully "revived" during a demonstration
of the device which was operated by Birgit McKinney. The demonstration
included pretending that the mannequin was a real person having
a heart attack.
The bank had
a training program for employees, which included two CPR classes
and a class in how to operate an AED. The
bank also established an 11-member Response Team, which was developed
to handle emergency situations. The team is trained in CPR, AED
and first aid.
McKinney who
is part of the team, said there will be refresher training courses
at least every three to six months. There will also be meetings
on a regular basis.
"This is
good for the community and we encourage other businesses to follow
suit," Phillips said.
AEDs are recommended
to be used in any facility where large groups of people congregate
such as malls, factories, sports arenas and fitness centers. According
to the American Heart Association, more than 95 percent of cardiac
arrest victims die before they reach the hospital. For
every minute defibrillation is delayed, the victim's chances of
survival decrease 7 to 10 percent. Defibrillation means giving the
heart an electrical shock.
TrustBank's
main branch is located at 600 E. Main St. It has a branch on IL
130 at the Richland County Mall and another one in Cisne.
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