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Idaho FD launches AED access program after EMS chief suffers heart attack

The hotel that Nampa EMS Chief Tom Wright was staying in did not have an AED, but thankfully an EMS chief from another department did

NAMPA, Idaho 鈥 After Nampa Fire District EMS Chief Tom Wright survived a heart attack last fall, the department announced it is launching two new programs to improve community access to AEDs.

Wright experienced symptoms like chest pain radiating down his arm and nausea while in his hotel room during a chief鈥檚 conference in McCall in September, reported.

鈥淛ust thought it was stress,鈥 Wright said. 鈥淚 was like, I have to be down with my guys at the conference. So, I went down to the conference. When I got there, one of our chiefs actually asked me, 鈥榓re you having a heart attack?鈥 That鈥檚 when I suddenly realized, on my part, that I was.鈥


8 steps to purchase an AED for your department or community

The hotel lacked an automated external defibrillator (AED), but fortunately, JD Hendrick, the Meridian Fire EMS chief, had one and successfully restarted Wright鈥檚 heart.

While recovering in the hospital, Wright was visited by retired chief Jeff Mutchie, who now works on special projects. Their conversation that day inspired two new community initiatives set to launch in February.

The first initiative is an AED loaner program, funded by grants and community donations, allowing residents to borrow devices for events and gatherings. The district will also offer monthly CPR classes, teaching participants how to use an AED. Additionally, they plan to equip all staff vehicles with AEDs and raise funds to place devices in every Nampa police car.

鈥淭o get at least 90% of our citizens trained in CPR,鈥 Wright said, 鈥渢hat鈥檚 our eventual goal. It鈥檚 pretty lofty, but I think we can do it. It can really affect a lot of people鈥檚 lives.鈥

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and 草莓影视.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.