GALENA-A defibrillator was not included in the budget. But thanks to John Meyerhofer, and a grant from Jo Daviess County Country Fair Charities, it's there, and it could save a life.
Meyerhofer filled out a handful of grant applications before Jo Daviess County Sheriff's Lieutenant Brian Melton encouraged him to apply for a grant from Country Fair. He was pleasantly surprised to discover he'd received the grant for the life-saving device, which now is ready for use.
The defibrillator is mounted to the wall of the Jo Daviess County Courthouse, in the second floor, across from the entrance to the circuit clerk's office.
Many sheriff's deputies received training from Galena EMS Coordinator Tom Winter. The defibrillator, however, is designed "for anyone to use," explained Meyerhofer. "It's very user-friendly."
Once switched on, the defibrillator is designed to walk the user through its life-saving steps. Now there is an extra layer of safety for people in cardiac arrest in the courthouse.
With wall mount accessories, the entire package was $1,800, a small price to pay for something that can save lives, said Meyerhofer, who thanked Country Fair Charities.
"If it's needed, it's there," he explained.
Excerpts and photography courtesy of Galena Gazette.
Comments