PICKENS — Cannon Memorial Hospital recently donated an Automated External Defibulator (AED) to the Pickens Recreation Complex as an added measure of safety for their programs.

The AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias and treats them through defibrillation, oftentimes saving someone’s life.

“We have seen in the past that a lot of arrhythmias happen during exercise activities, which the rec is a host of for a lot of Pickens residents,” said Norman Rentz, CEO of Cannon.  “When we saw an opportunity to donate the AED, we thought this would be a logical recipient that would have the most benefit on our community members.”

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To insure the utmost patient safety, Cannon is currently in the process of becoming ISO certified, and uniformity of equipment is part of the ISO standards.  The AED that was donated to the Rec was one that did not match with the other equipment in the hospital.

“We have actually been looking at purchasing an AED for the Recreation Department to have on hand, but because of budget restraints, and grant opportunities that didn’t work out, this donation was perfect timing,” said Mayor David Owens.  “This is a great example of what community partnerships are all about and how different entities can come together for the greater needs of our citizens.”

Cannon Hospital recently partnered with The City of Pickens and moved its fitness program to the Recreation facility on Sangamo Road as an opportunity to be more visible and offer classes to the community.  For more information on these classes, log onto www.CannonHospital.org.