(DETROIT) - In celebration of September as National Preparedness Month, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter is offering a free 45-minute Automated External Defibrillator (AED) presentation to the first 50 organizations throughout the month of September to request the presentation. The presentation is intended for those organizations that don't yet have an AED, or for those who already own one but who have not recently been trained in its use.

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., claiming more than 200,000 lives each year. When sudden cardiac arrest strikes, early defibrillation is vital. Research shows that for every minute that passes before the victim is defibrillated, their chance of survival goes down by 10 percent.

"Many people don’t realize how easy it is to use an Automated External Defibrillator, and how important it is to have one nearby in case of sudden cardiac arrest,” said Lynne Osborne, Manager of Workplace Programs for the Southeastern Michigan Chapter.

To better prepare workplaces for these medical emergencies, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter is offering each organization one free 45-minute AED session for any size group during the day or evening, seven days a week, at any location in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb counties. The presentation, which normally costs $150 (or is free for those who purchase AEDs from the Red Cross), will be free for the first 50 organizations who schedule in September.

During the session, an experienced Red Cross AED professional will:
o Explain sudden cardiac arrest and the “Cardiac Chain of Survival.”
o Teach when and how to use an AED.
o Give a demonstration of a live AED.
o Discuss the precautions and safety features within an AED.
o Review the Michigan Good Samaritan Laws, and liability issues or concerns.
o Explain specific maintenance including when and how to change pads/batteries.
o Answer questions and dispel lingering fears about AEDs.

The Southeastern Michigan Chapter can tailor the orientations to specific AEDs from the following manufacturers: Cardiac Science, Medtronic/Physio-Control, Philips Medical and Zoll Medical.

For more information or to request a program, contact Lynne Osborne at 313-576-4106 or osbornely@usa.redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter

The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area: relief to disaster victims, support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and the knowledge and skills to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide.

To learn more, log on to www.semredcross.org