FRHS Game of Hearts to Fund AED Donations

NORFOLK — A northeast Nebraska hospital is using an annual game night to help spread AEDs around the region.

Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk is hosting its fourth annual Game of Hearts Event at Divots DeVent Center on August 17.  Funds raised at the event will go to the hospital’s community AED initiative.  Public Relations Coordinator Samantha Wolfe says the hospital wants to increase public access to AEDs.

“We know that the more AEDs that you have access to, the more lives that you’re going to be able to save,” Wolfe said.

Wolfe says the cardiac arrest survival rate increases to 99 percent if an AED is administered within one minute of the cardiac arrest.  FRHS Cardiac Care Coordinator Jenny Simmons says the devices are effective and easy to use.

“AEDs are definitely life savers," Simmons said.  "If you’re in a cardiac emergency situation like that, AEDs are super user friendly.”

The community AED initiative started in May during the Norfolk Area Big Give.  Then hospital raised enough to buy five units.  An AED was donated to Lutheran High Northeast and Daycos this week.  Wolfe hopes the Game of Hearts will raise enough to donate 30 new AEDs.

“This is just the next step in that process, which is providing more AEDs," Wolfe said.  "Increasing not only Norfolk’s access, but regionally.”

Game of Hearts is an adult game night theme, featuring human Foosball, bucket pong, giant Jenga and more.  Tickets can be purchased frhs.org or at the door.