Saving lives is a compelling reason for collaboration, just ask Albert Lea police officer Tim Harves. Four times in his career the use of a portable defibrillator on a cardiac arrest victim kept the person alive while waiting for the ambulance. Four people owe their lives to Harves getting to the scene fast, having a life-saving automated external defibrillator available, and the collaborative effort to transfer to the appropriate medical facilities.

Another collaborative effort is to supply 29 new AEDs to local first responders. This is the final phase of “The Beat Goes On,” a fundraising endeavor to provide state-of-the-art cardiac care equipment to benefit local health care. This is an intiative of Naeve Health Care Foundation, Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea, Albert Lea Police Department, Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office, Freeborn County township fire departments and Albert Lea Hockey Association. You can join them and over 400 area donors already part of this collaboration and help bring new AEDs to area first responders by making a gift. Contact me at Naeve Health Care Foundation, 404 Fountain St., or by phone at 377-6380.

Next time you see a police officer, first responder, sheriff’s deputy or EMT, thank them for being ready to respond to any emergency 24 hours a day, thank them for their expertise and professionalism, and thank them for saving lives.

 

David Bonnerup

development officer

Naeve Health Care Foundation

Albert Lea