A new automated external defibrillator (AED), located outside the Main Clinic Laboratory, is the CGH Auxiliary’s latest contribution, to aid in delivering high-quality healthcare at CGH. AEDs help ensure rapid response to cardiac arrest. An AED analyzes the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, will deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. Immediate CPR and use of an AED can greatly improve survival rates.
Left-to-right are Deb Keaschall, Volunteer Services Manager; Lavita McKinzie, Auxiliary Chair, Volunteer Services; Stu Richter, Auxiliary Board President.
The Auxiliary utilized extra funds from their vendor sales to donate the device, in response to a request from Rod Miniel, CGH Director of Laboratory.
“The lab has more Code White medical alerts than any other department,” Miniel explained. “We frequently have to send patients to the Emergency Room for follow-up. There are also a lot of events in the Main Clinic parking lot. The availability of an AED in this central location allows us to have the device close by in emergency situations.”
Miniel approached Volunteer Services Manager, Deb Keaschall, with the idea in February 2024. Keaschall took the suggestion to the Auxiliary Board, which voted unanimously in favor.
“Anything we can afford to help the hospital, our Board will get behind,” said Stu Richter, Auxiliary Board President.
The CGH Auxiliary, which was formed in 1946, funds the holiday lights each year and offers scholarships to healthcare students. Keaschall, who recently retired after 29 years at CGH, says the AED donation was an exciting opportunity for the Auxiliary to directly support patient care.
“The Board had empathy and saw the need for the device in that location,” said Keaschall. “I am proud of them for making the decision to fund the AED donation.”
Empathy is one of the skills that Keaschall has stressed to Auxiliary volunteers over the years. She has worked to create a culture shift from volunteer “tasks,” to an emphasis on customer service and an awareness of the next person needing help.
“We are often the first face that people see when they come to CGH,” said Richter. “We need to be aware of what people are going through. Knowing when to be serious or have fun and lift spirits. That’s one of the things Deb leaves us with, is to be empathetic to each unique individual and do what we can to help.”
For more information or to learn more about volunteering with the CGH Auxiliary, please visit www.cghmc.com/auxiliary or call the Auxiliary office at 815-625-0400, extension 5727.