Credit union installs 20 AEDs in branch offices

Photo:� Mark Evers (left), Community First Credit Union maintenance specialist, after he installed an AED at the CFCU branch in Greenville, Wis., where he is a volunteer firefighter/first responder. A suggestion from Evers, who has used an AED to revive six cardiac patients, led to CFCU installing 20 of the lifesaving devices at its branches in northeast Wisconsin. (CFCU photo). At the suggestion of an employee, Community First Credit Union of Appleton, WI has purchased and installed 20 automated external defibrillators at its branch offices throughout the Fox Cities and northeast Wisconsin to provide enhanced lifesaving capabilities in cardiac emergencies. Community First acquired the AEDs and installed the wall-mounted cabinets at easily accessible locations in each branch thanks to Mark Evers, a CFCU maintenance specialist. Evers is a volunteer firefighter/first responder with the Greenville Fire Department and has successfully used the AED he carries in his vehicle six times to revive cardiac victims, including one man twice. "I can see from personal experience that it can be a lifesaving device," said Evers. Emergency medical officials emphasize that time is critical in cardiac emergencies since ambulances are not always nearby. Increased public access to an AED is a growing trend nationwide. In late 2012, about 30 Community First employees underwent first responder training that included AED deployment. "The AED itself talks to you and tells you what to do," Evers said. "All you have to do is listen to it and do what it says. It gives that individual a lot better chance of survival." Amanda Secor, CFCU senior vice president, said the AEDs are located in or near the branch lobbies for convenient access and fast deployment. "We are pleased to make these proven lifesaving devices available to the public and the member/owners that frequent our branch offices," she said. Community First Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative serving more than a 100,000 member/owners in Outagamie, Winnebago, Calumet, Manitowoc, Waupaca, Brown, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Oconto, Shawano, Sheboygan, and Waushara counties.� The credit union currently operates 19 traditional branches and has assets totaling more than $1.7 billion.