‘Stayin’ Alive’: Local businesses put firefighter AED program in full force

Though AED means automatic external defibrillator to the average emergency medic, the Hood River group’s name stands for “Amazing Ellen Dittebrandt” — the program was inspired by Dittebrandt, a cornerstone of Hood River Fire & EMS and lead CPR instructor who tragically died in August 2014.

Most people who experience cardiac arrest at home, work or in a public location die because they don’t receive immediate CPR from someone on the scene, according to a report by the American Heart Association.

“As a bystander, don’t be afraid. Your actions can only help. If you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse, call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of the classic disco song, ‘Stayin’ Alive.’

“CPR can more than double a person’s chances of survival, and ‘Stayin’ Alive’ has the right beat for Hands-Only CPR.”

Kip Miller, Hood River Fire & EMS volunteer coordinator, said the “Amazing Ellen” program uses proceeds from CPR classes and online donations to buy the units and place them in the community where they’re needed most, especially places with high public traffic.

“We have a great group of instructors that form our volunteer CPR team,” Miller said. “They have great energy and attitudes and really make learning CPR a fun and informative experience. I hear laughs coming from the training room whenever they teach.”

The AED group has bought four defibrillator units so far, thanks to a $3,000 donation from Hood River Lions Club and matching funds from Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital and the hospital’s charitable foundation.

Miller applauded the volunteers and employees who make the program possible.

“Their efforts allow us to make this AED program happen; Ellen would have been very proud.”

If you’re interested in the program, contact Miller at kip@hoodriverfire.com. To sign up for a CPR class, whether you are an individual or business with employees, sign up through www.hrcommunityed.org and select CPR for a list of class dates and times. You can also donate to the program at Community Ed’s website.

Cost is $45 per person and classes are held at the Hood River Fire Department. The CPR Team will also come to your facility to teach groups of 8 or more for easy convenience. Spanish classes are now available.