The Cook County Community Center recently installed a new Outdoor AED Save Station thanks to a generous donation from Arrowhead AED Inc. The Save Station is a weather-protected outdoor cabinet that houses an Automatic External Defibrillator or AED device which can be used to treat sudden cardiac arrest. The new Save Station is located on the side of the Community Center building facing the playgrounds and skate park, in close proximity to many outdoor recreational facilities including the tennis courts, hockey rink, and ball field.

AEDs are designed to be used by the public in responding to sudden cardiac arrest events. Once the device is taken out of the cabinet and turned on, it provides clear step-by-step voice and visual instructions. The newly installed Save Station will be accessible to the public 24/7. AEDs are life saving devices- for every minute that passes without use of CPR or defibrillation from an AED, the chance of survival following sudden cardiac arrest decreases by 7-10 percent.  

Arrowhead AED Inc. will be hosting an unveiling ceremony to celebrate the installation of the AED Save Station on Wednesday July 1st at 3:30 pm. All are welcome to come see the new AED Save Station and learn about how it works. The Community Center is located at 317 W 5th St. in Grand Marais.

Arrowhead AED Inc. is a recently formed non-profit with the goal of raising funds to donate AEDs throughout the Arrowhead of Northern Minnesota. The founders were inspired to bring outdoor AEDs to the community by the experience of a former County resident who collapsed at 28 years old from sudden cardiac arrest while playing pickle ball. His life was saved by an AED Save Station that had been installed at the court two weeks prior.

"We are so excited to be able to offer this important resource at the Community Center", said Community Center Director Sarah Waddle, "Increasing access to AEDs benefits the health of our whole community, and we are so grateful to Arrowhead AED for their fundraising efforts to make this happen." 

Questions about the event can be directed to Arrowhead AED Inc. by calling Rich Furlong at 218-370-1557.