News

Flintville takes life to heart

As far back as parish nurse Sandy Matuszak, RN, can recall, Ss. Edward & Isidore Parish in Flintville has not experienced a heart related emergency. But if one occurs, the parish is prepared.

Last October, Ss. Edward & Isidore purchased a Zoll AED (Automated External Defibrillator). In cases of cardiac emergency, the unit shocks the heart back into rhythm.

"It's better to be proactive than reactive," said Matuszak. "Last year, I went through my annual performance evaluation. One of my goals was to get an AED because of our country location."

"I did some research," she continued. "If we called 911, a response unit from Green Bay would take 15 to 20 minutes at lightning speed to get here. We had to do something."

Ease of use

Matuszak chose the Zoll model because of its ease of use. It features illustrative graphics and voice prompts to guide the user step by step through the entire rescue procedure. The unit will not fire unless it detects an abnormal heart rhythm.

The machine also coaches the rescuer through CPR.

"It directs you to do what is necessary," said Matuszak. "It instructs you to press harder, go faster, and when to compress the chest. It was tested to make sure a seven-year-old could follow the commands."

Ss. Edward & Isidore's AED operates on 10 E batteries. It is certified for use on children over the age of 12. Most defibrillators cost between $1,600 and $3,000.

The unit is mounted by a phone in a corner outside the church. The first step in an emergency requiring the use of the defibrillator is to call 911.

While the model is user friendly, training further increases the chances of someone surviving a cardiac emergency. Matuszak arranged for training sessions through Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC). The sessions were sponsored by the parish Altar Rosary Society.

Staff trained

"Our entire parish staff, including Fr. Dave (Kasperek, pastor), is fully trained in CPR and the use of the AED," said Matuszak. "We have several religious formation leaders who completed training and we are working with our ushers. There is someone here at all times who is trained. The NWTC instructors did a great job. They have several different models of defibrillators, so they were able to bring out the model we have so we could be trained on that one."

Whole emphasis

The defibrillator is part of an emphasis on health, safety and wellness at the parish. For example, Matuszak has also designed an indoor, hallway walking path for parishioners.

"My goal is to bring health into the spiritual community," she said. "It's important to promote good health and to be as prepared as we can be to deal with medical situations."

"We announced in the parish bulletin that we had the AED," she added. "We wanted people to know that we had it. There may have been someone who wasn't going to Mass because they had a heart condition. We hope this is reassuring to people."

Matuszak recommends that more parishes consider obtaining a defibrillator. Diocesan parishes in Door County and the Valley also have units. A medical authorization is required for an AED. Dr. Richard Cooley, a parishioner, provided the medical signature for the Ss. Edward & Isidore unit.

"He (Dr. Cooley) has served as our unofficial advisor," said Matuszak. "He's been happy to field questions we may have. I believe that in most parishes there are members with medical backgrounds who can provide assistance."

Training will continue at Ss. Edward & Isidore. CPR recertification is required. Matuszak said she would like to continue to expand the number of parish members who are fully trained. She is thankful for the cooperation of the staff and to have the unit in place.

"I hope we never have to use it," she said. "I'm pleased that we were able to meet this goal. The AED is another way to better serve the people of the parish. It went smoothly and everything came together. God works in mysterious ways."

For more information about CPR and the Automated External Defibrillator techniques at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, call 1-800-422-NWTC, ext. 6373.