Saint Joseph’s East Hospital (SJEG) presented a new portable defibrillator to the Eatonton-Putnam Arts Foundation (EPAF) and the Arts Plaza Center Friday evening.  As part of a new corporate sponsorship, leaders from Saint Joseph’s East Hospital special ordered and delivered a Medtronic LIFEPAK 1000 defibrillator, a state-of-the-art AED (Automated External Defibrillator.)  “We are thrilled to be part of this vibrant community,” said Celia Covington, SJEG Director of Nursing. “We want to support the growth of the Arts Plaza Center and EPAF, and help take care of the thousands of folks who come to enjoy the programs and events here every year.”

The new Medtronic AED will be readily accessible at the Arts Plaza in the event of an emergency and is very user-friendly, according to Saint Joseph’s spokesperson, Amanda Rosseter. “This is a nod to the incredible success of the Arts Plaza Center and the need to have a resource like this in the event of an emergency,” said Rosseter. “This high-end defibrillator is made for anyone to use and literally ‘talks’ you through the process. These machines are as necessary as fire-extinguishers in any public area that has hundreds of participants every week and we are very proud to be part of that care.”

In addition to the donation, Saint Joseph’s East is working with the Arts Center to offer a community clinic this spring to help educate the public on recognizing the signs of cardiac distress.