Town of Chili receives life-saving device

The Town of Chili recently received a donation of an automated external defibrillator (AED). The AED was installed at the Chili Town Hall Complex. The AED was donated by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield of Rochester.

Sudden cardiac arrest strikes without warning and requires immediate treatment to increase the victim's chance of survival. Cardiac arrest victims can die within 10 minutes if they don't receive proper care. According to the American Heart Association, more than 250,000 people die of sudden cardiac arrest annually.

"Defibrillators save lives and the proximity of an automated external defibrillator to the victim is critically important to resuscitating that person," said Edgar R. Black, MD, vice-president and chief medical officer for Excellus BC BS, Rochester Regions. "The window of opportunity to save someone's life is short and this defibrillator could be very important if someone suffers cardiac arrest within the Town Hall or the library." As part of its donation, Excellus BCBS also funded training for 12 town employees in the use of the device.

"We appreciate Excellus BCBS for donating the device and training," Supervisor Tracy Logel said. "It is important to public safety to have the AED available and to have trained people that know how to use it in case of an emergency." The $2,200 donation for the defibrillator is made through Excellus BCBS' community investment program.