February 5, 2008
Cornhusker Power Employees Trained to Use Automated Defibrillator

All Cornhusker Power District Columbus, Fullerton, and Albion crews and the Cornhusker Power headquarters are now equipped with a defibrillator to give a quick response to stop cardiac arrest.

Forty Cornhusker Power employees were trained to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) at their monthly safety meeting in January.

Sudden cardiac arrest kills an average of almost 1,000 people a day in the United States. It often gives no warning and can happen to anyone at any time.

Know that Cornhusker employees can give a hand if they are in your area. They can give a quick response of CPR and an electric shock to the heart with the defribillator if a person suffers a sudden cardiac arrest.

“You never know when sudden cardiac arrest is going to strike. If our line technicians are out working in our large service area and one suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, you can’t rely on an ambulance reaching the site in time,” said CEO/General Manager Ron Hostetter. “Our linemen can be contacted for help if they are near a person with sudden cardiac arrest,” said Hostetter.

For every minute that passes, the likelihood of successful resuscitation drops by about 10 percent. After five minutes, no more than 50 percent will recover. These figures underscore the importance of early defibrillation.

Thirteen percent of workplace fatalities are from sudden cardiac arrest. The statistics alone compelled the Board to take action and purchase the defibrillators. “As Board members, we can help safeguard our employees by placing AEDs with our crews and in the office and help them to be prepared to help save a life,” said Board President Bill Robinson.

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