Valley County Close to CRC Community Designation

After two and a half years of hard work, the Valley County Health Department is one application submission away from hopefully becoming the first county in Montana to receive a Cardiac Ready Community (CRC) designation from the state.

In collaboration with key stakeholders in the project, including STAT Air, FMDH, Farm Credit Services, Glasgow Police Department, Valley County Sheriff’s Department and local businesses and churches who had an interest in placing an Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in their location, Valley County as a community is more than ready and has the tools necessary in the event of a cardiac emergency. “The neatest thing is to have the process in place and have everyone involved. All community partners that have placed AEDs in their churches or business have had a stake in the process,” said CRC committee member and VCHD registered nurse Lynn Miller, continuing, “They have made the commitment to the county and state to be a part of saving someone’s life.”

After receiving funding in 2017, various key stakeholders of the county including businesses, churches, fire departments and law enforcement, were able to either update the AED already on site or applied to place an AED in their location. All new AEDs, batteries and pads were then registered with the state online community AED registry, which allows accountability to ensure future accessibility and usability. Being a part of the registry also mitigates liability concerns under the Good Samaritan law, provides physician oversight and requires the notification of 911 dispatch of the location of all AEDs. “One requirement of the designation is to have dispatch be involved in this process, knowing what to do in a medical emergency, where to direct those who call in stating there is a medical heart emergency,” stated Miller.

Other key stakeholders in this endeavor are community members of all ages who have completed full CPR certification through the hospital and/or Hands-Only CPR through the health department. Connie Wethern, who facilitated a full CPR certification geared towards those under the age of 18 on Aug. 11, had eight kids participate. “The class was one of the funniest classes I think I have taught,” stated Wethern. “The class was set up so that they had the knowledge needed if they were going to babysit or care for a family member or a loved one and could help in an emergency.”

According to Miller, the hope is to have the state come to Valley County before the year ends, and before the snow falls, to review policies, procedures, AED locations, the number of people CPR certified in the county and to review everything that Health Department has done to this point to be cardiac ready. Once everything is reviewed, the designation will then hopefully be handed out.

In the meantime, Miller is offering anyone who is interested in Hands-Only CPR and/or full CPR certification to get certified. The Valley County Health Department offers to bring Hands-Only CPR and AED information to any group or gathering, while FMDH offers full CPR certification classes. Call the Valley County Health Department (228-6261) or the hospital (228-3500) today so we can all be cardiac ready.