This morning representatives from North Metro Professional Fire Fighter Union Local 2203 presented Legacy High School Administration with their first automated external defibrillator. An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a device that can be attached to your chest. It senses your heart's rhythm during cardiac arrest and, in some cases, delivers an electric shock to get your heart beating again.

"North Metro professional fire fighters were able to raise funds to place this AED immediately in this school," said Wendy Forbes, Public Information Officer for North Metro Fire Rescue. "Devices such as these-which literally walk a person through the procedure with an automated voice and detailed pictures-are a benefit to students, faculty and staff visiting schools."

In February 2008, North Metro responded to a cardiac call at this school during a basketball tournament at Legacy High School. The outcome was successful. However, North Metro professional fire fighters know that time is of the essence for survival and AEDs can play an important role in certain cardiac emergency situations.

North Metro professional fire fighters hope to be able to raise additional funds to place more AEDs in public venues throughout the North Metro Fire Rescue District.

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About North Metro Fire Rescue District

North Metro Fire Rescue is dedicated to your quality care. North Metro Fire Rescue provides fire protection, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response and rescue services to our community. Formed in 1946, the district now covers 63 square miles with a population of approximately 103,000 people including the City and County of Broomfield, the City of Northglenn and unincorporated areas of Boulder, Adams and Jefferson Counties.