Frequently Asked Questions
How does an AED work?
When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, the heart starts to fibrillate or “quiver” but does not pump blood. CPR (chest compressions) makes the heart pump and keeps oxygen flowing to the body, but will not "start" the heart. The AED is a battery operated device that determines whether a heart needs to be defibrillated (shocked) into resuming a normal rhythm. It gives audible commands and is so simple anyone can be taught its use in a few minutes.
Why do we need the AED Program?
The nearest fire station is about 8 minutes from St Catherine, and in the event of a carrdiac arrest, minute counts in saving lives. If neighborhood volunteer Responders can arrive sooner, and can quickly begin giving help, the chance of survival is increased.
What is the program?
Volunteers worked together to develop a plan, and asked residents and homeowners of St Catherine to contribute to this program. After successful fundraising, we purchased nineteen (19) AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators). Once these were received, they were strategically positioned within our neighborhood to provide the quickest possible response to anyone who experiences a Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
We also subscribed to ReadyAlert™, a system that notifies our volunteer responders of 911 calls for possible cardiac events.
Neighborhood volunteers have been trained in CPR and use of AED's. After testing and drills, the system went live in December 2022.
We are 1 of 252 Neighborhood AED Groups. There are currently over 660 AEDs and over 5,000 volunteer responders in the Neighbor Saving Neighbors Program.
Who is responsible?
The Villages Public Safety Department oversees the program. They assist in forming, ordering equipment, training the volunteer responders and providing continuing updates on training and equipment. Our volunteers will respond to administer CPR and to apply the AED
What if some people don't participate?
Because of liability concerns, EVERY HOME in our neighborhood is protected in the case of sudden cardiac arrest regardless of whether or not they contributed.
Why should I participate?
The program needs your participation. It lowers the costs for all of us and increases your chance of survival if you go into cardiac arrest.
Do I have to be a volunteer?
Only if you want to, but the more Responders we have the better we can help our neighborhood.
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Is the AED difficult to use?
It is virtually foolproof and easy to use.
Do I have any legal liability?
Florida's Good Samaritan laws protect any lay person who goes to the aid of a person in distress. The AED only "shocks" people who are clinically dead so there is no risk of hurting someone. (See the "More information" page)
How long is the CPR/AED training?
New responder training is 3 hours long and free of charge. Mouth-to-mouth is no longer
recommended when doing adult CPR.
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Is the program to respond to all emergencies?
No, ONLY cardiac/respiratory arrests and ONLY in our village.
Are contributions tax deductible?
No, the St Catherine AED Program is organized as a club, not as a charitable non-profit, and as such contributions are NOT tax deductible.
Where are the devices located?
Device locations were planned to have all houses within a certain distance from the nearest device. Actual locations were finalized with participation of the Zone Captains, other volunteers, and homeowners.
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How are the devices maintained or serviced?
Chip Friedline, Maintenance Coord. has a team of residents that check the functionality of each device plus the cabinets structure on a monthly basis.
Who is currently leading the Program?
Paula Love - Coordinator & Web Manager 910-280-9086
Teresa Hilburn - Co-Coordinator & Co-Treasurer 740-464-5280
Bill Skinner - Co-Treasurer 501-416-7109
Cindy Winslow - Financial Controller - 860-729-7926
Richard Militello - AED Specialist (Retired Fire Chief) - 516-492-4033
Tom Roehl - Advisor - 414-546-110
Steve Dillman - AED Specialist - (Retired Fire Fighter)- 603-369-7345
Chip Friedline - Maintenance Coordinator - 763-567-0650
EMAIL us at stcatherineaed@gmail.com
For more information contact:
The Villages Public Safety Department: Lt. John Longacre john.longacre@districtgov.org or
Public Education Technician: Bob Sjogren robert.sjogren@districtgov.org 352-205-8280