Puget Sound Knappers New HeartStart Automatic External Defibrillator

The Puget Sound Knappers have acquired, through donations of its members, a Philips HeartStart Defibrillator!  Jim Keffer, PSK webmaster and publisher of SPALLS, will keep custody of the device and make it available at each and every knap-in.

This device is used, in the event of an emergency, to apply electrical shock (defibrillate) to an individual to reverse a potentially fatal, abnormal heart rhythm as in a heart attack.  The device comes with How-To instructions but is virtually mistake proof.  When connected it will evaluate the individual and determine whether defibrillation is appropriate and prompt for the initiation of the shock.  It will then re-evaluate the individual and determine if additional defibrillation is required.  It provides voice prompts and lighted buttons.

The PSK has a number of people trained and certified on the use of an AED as well as CPR and First Aid.  We are requesting that anyone with current certification let the PSK webmaster know so that he can, in turn,  make each knap-in host aware.  

We are still asking for donations to help cover the remaining cost of the AED, as well as the cost to ship it to each knap-in (in the event that Jim Keffer, who will be responsible for the unit, is unable to attend).  We are also asking for member volunteers  to take a CPR/AED course.  Any funds raised in excess of the cost of the device and the shipping costs will be provided to those volunteering to become CPR/AED certified.  

Each knap-in Host should seek out regular member of their knap-in who will volunteer for training and contact Jim Keffer @