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The staff at Integris Baptist Regional Health Center recently donated an AED or automated external defibrillator to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College that will be housed in NEO’s multipurpose arena. Former Department Chair of Agriculture, Dr. Shannon Cunningham, worked to secure the life-saving device during her time in the agriculture department.The process took about six months, and NEO now has five AEDs across campus. An AED is a medical device that analyzes the heart’s rhythm and if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. The AED unit is lightweight and provides easy-to-follow voice prompts providing calm and clear guidance.

Jordan Cash, president of INTEGRIS shared the significance of the donation, “NEO and INTEGRIS were both established in 1919 and have partnered together for the good of our community for nearly 100 years. I can’t think of a better way to honor that partnership than by providing something that could save a life. I hope the AED is never used. However, we can rest easier knowing that should there ever be a need, AED units will now be located throughout the campus.”

According to the American Heart Association, “Each year in the U.S., there are approximately 359,400 Emergency Medical Services (EMS)-assessed cardiac arrests outside of a hospital setting and on average, less than 10 percent of victims survive. Cardiac arrest affects people of all ages, but occurs more commonly in adults with prior heart disease.”

“Life-saving resources in an emergency situation are a must for all of our campus locations,” Cunningham said. “We are very fortunate that Integris has so generously given us this AED for our Synar Farm and multipurpose arena. We are thankful for their support and attention to the welfare of our students and community.”