Wear Red for Women donates AED to SPARK
Wear Red for Women, a Bothwell Foundation committee, recently gave an automated external defibrillator (AED) to the Sedalia-Pettis Amateur Radio Klub (SPARK). An AED is a small, lightweight device that allows individuals and first responders to treat sudden cardiac arrest. The machine automatically analyzes the heart rhythm and when appropriate, it delivers an electrical shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm.
SPARK is comprised of area ham radio operators who use their skills and equipment for fun and service. Klub Vice President Richard Camirand said the donated AED will be placed in the club’s emergency communications trailer that is used during exercises and real disasters such as tornados and earthquakes.
“This is a fantastic gift, and we really appreciate the donation,” Camirand said. “The AED will be another tool in the trailer. We pray we don’t have to deploy it or use it, but if needed, we know we can help our own members or the community as well.”
Funds to purchase the device were raised during the 2023 Wear Red for Women luncheon and auction. The committee’s goal is to have AEDs in every place people work, learn, play or pray in Sedalia and Pettis County. Since the inception of the luncheon event in 2020, 72 AEDs have been placed in or committed to various locations. The 2024 Wear Red for Women event is Feb. 23, 2024, and tickets will be available in January.
