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Barb Borger of Freeburg was one of approximately 30 people honored Thursday, February 17, at a press conference called by Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn. The press conference, in the Capitol Building at Springfield, was to acknowledge the contributions of these people in promoting and instructing Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the state. It also was the kick-off for the state-wide Heartsaver AED Fund to provide grant money to those school and public park districts who now are required to have AEDs available on their premises. Lt. Governor Quinn made the initial donation to the fund Thursday.

All areas of the state were represented at the conference. There were two people whose lives were saved by an AED; several people had made saves. There were policemen, firemen, EMTs, medical and school personnel. Several people had lost loved ones who they felt could have been saved if an AED had been available, and now are crusading for awareness of the need and money to provide them. An Eagle Scout made it his project to raise money in his community, which now has several AEDs through his efforts. A businessman has provided enough AEDs that his 500 employees would have access to one within the recommended five minutes of onset of cardiac arrest. All of the honorees spoke on their experiences and were given a personalized Declaration of their contribution to the lifesaving program, along with the congratulations and thanks of Lt. Governor Quinn. Also present to offer congratulations was Representative Dan Burke of Chicago who sponsored the legislation requiring defibrillators in schools, indoor park district facilities, and physical fitness facilities.

Declaration:

“WHEREAS, automated external defibrillators have helped save the lives of individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest; and

“WHEREAS, health clubs, school gymnasiums, and indoor park district facilities in Illinois are required by state law to have automated external defibrillators on the premises and have staff trained in their use; and

“WHEREAS, the purpose of the Colleen O’Sullivan Law is to protect Illinois residents by making automated external defibrillators accessible in public places and to require physical fitness facilities to file written emergency preparedness plans with the state; and

“WHEREAS, the newly signed “Heartsaver AED Fund” allows Illinois citizens to donate to the fund which will provide a 50% matching grant for defibrillator purchases to public schools, public colleges and public park districts; and

“WHEREAS, community leaders and volunteers have taken heroic leadership roles in helping to promote the goal of making automated external defibrillators as common as fire extinguishers by raising funds and awareness,

“THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Illinois, hereby commend and salute Barbara Borger on behalf of Illinois’ 13 million people, for working to place automated external defibrillators in essential locations within your community.

“Dated this 17th day of February, 2005.

“PAT QUINN, Lieutenant Governor”

Ms. Borger’s name was submitted by the St. Louis Area Chapter of the American Red Cross as its representative for the Metro-East area. For many years, she has been a Certified American Red Cross Instructor in the following categories: Water Safety; Lifeguard Training; Community CPR; First Aid; CPR for the Professional Rescuer; Automated External Defibrillator (AED); Oxygen Administration; and Preventing Disease Transmission. She is the only individual in the Metro-East with all of these certifications.

Since AED instruction was added to her classes in 2003, she has instructed 155 people in its use, including staff at the Freeburg and New Athens Elementary Schools. She was instrumental in the local acquisition of AEDs for the Freeburg Police Department, Freeburg swimming pool (this AED is also used by the police during the pool’s off season), and St. Paul’s UCC Church. The AED at the church was provided by the family of John Kamper in his memory. Church Council, the Teeny Tot staff and board members, and other interested members have received instructions in its use. Waterloo High School, where Ms. Borger is a Physical Education teacher, received an AED with the $300,000 fitness equipment acquired for its new P.E. fitness program in March 2004.

Although it is important that people be trained to use AEDs, one does not have to be an “expert” to use the device. It is self-prompting and can be operated by anyone with the ability to follow oral instructions and to have the hand strength to compress the chest. The important thing is that AEDs be readily available, that people recognize them and are aware of their location and capabilities, and are willing to try to save a life. The more people familiar with how the device works will mean more lives saved in emergency situations.

Citizens and organizations are urged to help their local communities provide AEDs for facilities wherever people gather. For more information, log onto www.LtGovernor.il.gov/heart.

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