Learn How To Purchase AED At Escambia County’s Cost

May 26, 2016

Escambia County will hold a meeting next week to provide more information on how to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) at the county’s cost.

District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry and Escambia County Public Safety will host a meeting Tuesday, May 31 at 6 p.m. for groups or individuals interested in purchasing an AED for their church or business at the county’s cost.

The meeting will take place at the Walnut Hill Fire Station at 7760 Highway 97. Escambia County Public Safety Director Mike Weaver will be available to answer questions about purchasing an AED at the same cost the county received during its last bid solicitation and provide information about AED kit options and available warranty programs.

An AED will be available to view at the meeting.

The cost will be $1,317.31 for the AED and associated equipment, according to Mike Weaver. Escambia County Public Safety Director . The vendor is also offering a wall mount cabinet for an additional $99..

“By no means are we trying to ’sell’ this particular AED. It is the same AED that we have chosen for our responders, County Buildings and parks. There are other devices and distributors that may be able to offer a lower price that will be shared,” Weaver said.

An automated external defibrillator is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. The shock can stop an irregular heart rhythm and allow a normal rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is an abrupt loss of heart function. If it’s not treated within minutes, it quickly leads to death.

According to Escambia County, AEDs are important because they make it possible for more people to respond to a medical emergency where defibrillation is required. Because AEDs are portable, they can be used by anyone who has been trained how to use them – not only by medical professionals. They can be made part of emergency response programs that also include rapid use of 9-1-1 and prompt delivery of CPR. All three of these activities are vital to improving survival from cardiac arrest.

For more information, contact Escambia County Public Safety at (850) 471-6400.

Comments

4 Responses to “Learn How To Purchase AED At Escambia County’s Cost”

  1. William on May 26th, 2016 2:02 pm

    >> . After doing a little searching online these things can go from 133.00 – 2500.00

    I don’t think you want want a $133 one if it existed. :)

    I believe the county option will be $1,300. — They were going to email us the exact info.

    If you are within 20-30 miles, it would be worth attending the meeting if your group has any interest to learn about the machines, their differences and options, etc. from EMS experts.

  2. kane.2015@hotmail.com on May 26th, 2016 1:07 pm

    lol well it did say individuals my error.

  3. kane.2015@hotmail.com on May 26th, 2016 1:06 pm

    @BT The article said for Church groups and business not individuals. After doing a little searching online these things can go from 133.00 – 2500.00. The County however will buy them in bulk and therefore get a discount they probably offering this as a way to make a larger order and thus get a bigger discount which is great for all of us in the County.

  4. BT on May 26th, 2016 8:56 am

    Do we know what that cost is?

    It would be nice to have one available, but if it’s $1,000 or more, it’s out of reach for a lot of folks.