State of Michigan grant provides defibrillator to two counties

The Gogebic-Ontonagon Medical Control Authority has received a grant from the state of Michigan that will allow six additional automated external defibrillators be placed at various locations throughout the two counties.

The grant, provided by the Michigan Center for Rural Health through its Rural Automated External Defibrillator Grant Program, will allow the devices to be located at the Ironwood Public Safety Department building, Ontonagon County Sheriff’s Department, Watersmeet Fire and Rescue, Ironwood Area Schools, Ironwood Walmart and the ABR Ski Trails.

“The goal of program is to place AEDs in the most appropriate and useful locations as determined by the local Medical Control Authority and the local EMS systems,” a center representative said. “By strategically placing AEDs, notifying members of the community of the placement of the AEDs, and training appropriate personnel in CPR and on the AEDs, the objective is to save lives in rural area.”

Last year 113 AEDs were purchased and distributed to more than 100 locations in the last two years. A total of 46 rural communities have participated in the grant’s first two cycles.

GOMCA provides oversight and direction to the EMS agencies in the two counties, as well as Iron County, Wis.