Gift of Life Donation
The teachers, parents and students of the Franklin Special School received a gift this week that they hope they will never have to use. A Franklin resident has graciously agreed to provide AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators) for each of the seven FSSD schools.
For the past few years the FSSD has been researching what it would take to place the AEDs in each of its schools. With good timing and good fortune, Matt Spencer, of Franklin-based Dixie Medical, Inc., stepped in and donated all seven AEDS, with a total value of $13,755. This amount represents seven AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators) with adult and pediatric pads, carrying cases, wall mounted cabinets with alarms, a 5-year warranty and training.
“The placement of AEDs in all of our schools and other district facilities was a priority for this school year and Dixie Medical’s generous donation is significantly assisting us in reaching that goal,” said FSSD Director of Schools Dr. David Snowden. “We are very appreciative to Matt and his firm for providing us with this incredible opportunity.”
“These machines have proved time and time again that their presence is absolutely essential in assisting a cardiac arrest rescue,” Spencer said. “It is my hope that that the placement of this equipment will raise awareness in our area about the benefits of AEDS in public places.”
“Lifesaving techniques have become increasingly important in school settings,” said district nurse Christy Szarwark. “In the last few years we have made a concerted effort to train more and more employees in CPR. When you use the AEDS in concert with CPR, your chances for saving a life increase dramatically. We are so grateful for Dixie Medical’s generosity.”
The FSSD will begin AED training on Tuesday, October 10. At 9:00 a.m., district supervisors and principals will gather at the Central Office Annex (1406 Cannon Street in Franklin) to be trained on the use of the equipment. Later that day, at 3:45 p.m. at Freedom Middle School, a training session will be offered to all interested employees in each of the seven schools.
Dixie Medical, Inc. was formed in 1999 by Matt and Julie Spencer. The company sells medical equipment with a focus in cardiac monitoring and has an international customer base.
