NEWS RELEASE
GEORGIAN COLLEGE
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Thousands of people visit the J.C. Massie Field at Georgian’s Barrie Campus every year to participate in sporting events or cheer on their favourite team. And while fun, athleticism and team spirit is certainly the order of the day, people can feel a little safer knowing that life-saving equipment is close by.
Georgian partnered with SaveStation and Jamie Massie, President and CEO Georgian International to install a SaveStation tower at the sports field. The tower is a free-standing outdoor automated external defibrillator (AED) that provides real-time feedback on the AED device, a climate-controlled cabinet, and backlighting for full visibility at any time of day. The AED is available for anyone to use in a cardiac arrest emergency.
“Our sports field and the Georgian slo-pitch diamonds attract well over 10,000 people on an annual basis,” said MaryLynn West-Moynes, Georgian President and CEO. “Not only will the SaveStation be available for emergency purposes but anyone can use it. It is lifesaving technology we are very grateful to have on campus and hope we’ll never have to use.”
Michele McConney, Manager of Athletics, added that in the past, her department would ensure their portable AED unit was present at the field during game times. “Now, thanks to Mr. Massie and Georgian International, we have state-of-the-art AED equipment that is available anytime. With the SaveStation and 24-hour video surveillance, we can monitor this area and react in the unlikely event of an emergency situation much faster.”
The SaveStation is the most recent improvement to the J.C. Massie Field. “We try to add improvements every year to enhance services to our Georgian community,” said McConney. “First it was our incredible artificial turf field supported by our students, followed by the Musco LED light system thanks to the generosity of the Massie family. With this new SaveStation we hope to be trendsetters and encourage other communities to embrace this safety equipment.”
Deb Hennig, Co-Founder of SaveStation hopes other institutions will follow Georgian’s lead to be cardiac-safe zones by placing SaveStations at their locations.
“The ability to sponsor a SaveStation in your community provides business leaders like Georgian International, with a unique way to give back,” said Hennig. The tower includes clear instructions on how to use the equipment and Hennig added that in the event of any emergency people should always call 911 first.
This is the first installation of an outdoor SaveStation at a college or university in North America.
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