To the editor:

HEARTsafe Tiverton recently secured a donation for two AEDs (automated external defibrillator) for the Tiverton Recreation Commission. 

Recreation Commission Chairman Stu Gilfillen, after reviewing a report from American Red Cross pertaining to Fogland and Grinnell's Beaches, reached out to HEARTSafe Tiverton to see what the next steps would be to obtain an AED for each beach. 

HEARTsafe Coordinator David Paull sent a request to both South Coast hospitals (Charlton) and Steward Health (St Anne's) seeking help as these units are expensive. Ronald Audette, the administrative director Emergency Department/EMS coordinator, responded to the request. St Anne's Hospital, in conjunction with in-house partners, was able to meet this request. HEARTsafe Mr. Paull met with Mr. Audette at St Anne's back in August for the handoff. During the time of the handoff, HEARTsafe Co-Coordinator Lt. Andrew Kettle (TFD), happened to be completing a patient transfer.

Residents and guests of Tiverton's beaches are now protected with an additional tool in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest.

The Town of Tiverton owes a great deal of gratitude to St Anne's for this generous donation.

David Paull

Tiverton