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Friday, June 28, 2019

Steuben Public Works adds AEDs to shops

Steve Orcutt looks at one
of Public Works' AEDs, installed
 at the county landfill
BATH -- The Steuben County Public Works outbuildings now have an added safety feature, with the recent installation of 18 Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in locations across the county. AEDs are used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. An easy-to-use medical device, AEDs can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. County Assistant Commissioner Steve Orcutt said Public Works Motor Equipment Operator Chris Cermak suggested the installations as a way to provide additional safety in the event of an emergency. Cermak also is a volunteer EMT with the Hammondsport Ambulance Service. "Chris is a certified AED, CPR and First Aid instructor and does all the training at all of the shops," Orcutt said. "He deserves all the credit, and it’s a great idea." Cermak’s efforts lead to results beyond the county shops, Orcutt said. "A DPW operator recently saved a neighbor’s life using the CPR that Chris taught him," Orcutt said.