The Illinois Heart & Lung Foundation (IHLF) recently donated an automated external defibrillator (AED) unit to the Illinois State University Police Department. The donation is part of the Foundation’s efforts to supply the units to first responders in McLean County.

Illinois State University works in partnership with the Illinois Heart & Lung Foundation to improve training on the use of AEDs among members of the campus community.

“We are extremely grateful to the Illinois Heart & Lung Foundation for their AED donation,” said ISUPD Chief Aaron Woodruff.  “The better we equip our officers, the better chance we have of saving a life.”

The IHLF has committed to providing AEDs with cases to all first responders within McLean County. To date the Foundation has donated units to both the Bloomington and Normal police departments, the McLean County Sherriff’s Department, the 22 municipalities within McLean County, Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, and Illinois State University.

“The Illinois Heart & Lung Foundation is empowering the Illinois State University community to save lives by recognizing the importance of starting the chain of survival: call 911, start CPR, and use automated external defibrillators,” said Kathi Franklin, IHLF executive director. “Each year, approximately 300,000 people suffer a sudden cardiac arrest. Illinois State University first responders can prevent death or neurological disability from sudden cardiac arrest among students, staff, and visitors on campus.”