Torrington’s Gathering Place now has a little more peace of mind for its staff and clients at their downtown location. Charlotte Hungerford Hospital has donated a new heart automated external defibrillator (AED) to be kept on premises to help perform life-saving treatment in the event that anyone experiences a sudden heart attack.
“We are so pleased that providers at the Gathering Place will now have access to this life saving device for anyone who visits the site if the need arises. We thank everyone at Charlotte Hungerford for their generosity and continued support. ” said Nancy Cannavo RN MSN, Manager of the Gathering Place and Psychiatric Nurse Clinician and Coordinator of Charlotte Hungerford Hospital’s Outreach to the Homeless Program.
The new $1,700 ZOLL AED Plus device analyzes and looks for shockable heart rhythms, advises the rescuer of the need for defibrillation, and delivers a shock if needed. When the heart unexpectedly and abruptly stops beating, it is usually caused by an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation or VD. Effective treatment for this is an electrical shock which delivers an electrical current applied to the chest providing an opportunity for the heart’s normal electrical system to take control. The device also provides real-time feedback on rate and depth of chest compressions and supports rescuers with integrated text, voice, and visual prompts to help guide rescuers. The latest American Heart Association guidelines suggest that successful defibrillation requires the performance of immediate “high quality” CPR. This means providing compressions at the proper depth and rate, making sure not to lean on the chest, and keeping interruptions to an absolute minimum.
New Beginnings of Northwest Hills Litchfield County (Continuum of Care) is the owner and operator of The Gathering Place – a day-time drop-in center serving local homeless individuals, families, youth and veterans. The Gathering Place provides the local homeless the resources they need to live more productive and independent lives. It is a place to come to visit year round and to receive services to meet basic needs and resources such as showers, laundry service, clothing, legal services, mental health services, substance abuse services and supported employment.
“Helping to ensure that our fellow providers have the best resources to serve our community is an important part of our community outreach at Charlotte. We are pleased to make this important health tool available for those who work at and visit the Gathering Place.” said Tim LeBouthillier, Director of Communications and Community Development at CHH.
The Gathering Place is located at 21 Prospect Street, Suite A, Torrington and is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM. For more information call 860.618.3455.