Donated Defibrillators 'Can Save Lives' in Chester Twp.

The Chester Township Police are now armed with the latest in automated external defibrillator (AED) technology thanks to the timely assistance of an anonymous donor.

"This equipment is invaluable in dealing with a real life saving emergency," Chester Township Police Chief Wayne Martini said. "We are always the first ones on the scene of an incident, and we can save lives with these devices."

The AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.

The model that was being used by the Chester Township Police was going out of service, Martini said, and the Department was saved the expense thanks to a resident who donated $5,200 for the purchase of four defibrillators.

According to the Samaritan who made the purchase, she did so to honor her father, who passed away at the age of 53 from a heart attack.

"When I was a senior in college my father had a heart attack at home and died.  If the police had a defibrillator my father might have lived," the donor said. "This honors my father. Who he was and how he died and that you can make a difference as one person. If one person is saved it honors my father every time it is used."

According to the donor, her reason for remaining anonymous is it is consistent with how she was raised.

"My father used to do a lot for the community. My family always donated things quietly. We give for the things we believe in," She said. "And I hope people realize they can make donations like this to police and they can do so as well."

According to Martini, the donated AEDs will make a difference in the field.

"The device is completely automatic. It walks you through the process and all of the information recorded by the device can be downloaded to any computer with the software and sent straight to the hospital," Martini said.

Martini said all of the Chester Township Police officers are all EMTs and are highly trained, the automated defibrillator is immensely valuable.

"When you respond to a situation like that its usually mayhem and its nice that the machine is giving you a refresher," Martini said. "And if something happens, anyone can use it."