Erlanger Chief Diversity Officer Elizabeth Appling and LIFE FORCE Clinical Educator Stacy Prater present an AED to Bessie Smith Cultural Center (BSCC) staff. From left to right: Stacy Prater, Elizabeth Appling, BSCC President Paula Wilkes, BSCC Director of Community Relations Elijah Cameron, BSCC Program Coordinator Marty Mitchell, BSCC Office Coordinator Pat Lott, and BSCC Museum Specialist Alyssa DeWaele.
Officials with Erlanger Health System donated an automated external defibrillator (AED) to the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.
“We are so pleased to be able to provide this life-saving tool to the Bessie Smith Cultural Center,” said Erlanger Chief Diversity Officer Elizabeth Appling.
“I work closely with this local organization and know the impact it has on the Chattanooga community. Hundreds of people pass through the halls of this cultural center, whether to tour the African American museum, participate in meetings or attend one of their many special events. If this on-site AED can help save even one life, it’s worth it.”
According to the American Heart Association, sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States. The association also states that a victim of sudden cardiac arrest is more likely to survive if they receive defibrillation through an AED within the first minute.
LIFE FORCE, Erlanger’s air medical service, will provide training to the Bessie Smith Cultural Center staff. Although training is not required to use an AED, it is encouraged for all staff who work near AEDs to learn how to use them properly.