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State Rep. James Arciero recently donated an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) device to the Westford Recreation Department for use by the Westford Youth Baseball & Softball Association during games at the American Legion ballfields located on River Street in Westford. The need for such medical safety equipment has been discussed with Arciero on several occasions.
An AED is a portable electronic device that can diagnose cardiac medical issues and then treat them through defibrillation if such conditions have been determined to exist. Through electrical therapy, the arrhythmia can be stopped and the heart can return to a normal rhythm. With simple audio and visual commands, AEDs are designed to be used by non-medically trained individuals and the use of this device is often a component of first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) classes.
“I wanted to provide this to the members of our baseball and softball teams to ensure that any medical emergencies that happen on the field can be treated immediately and hopefully prevent any bad outcomes. I see this donation as a commitment to our sense of community here in Westford and I pray we never have to use it, but if we do, hopefully good things will result,” said Arciero.
The legislator noted that AEDs are available inside schools and other public and private places, so having them on athletic fields seemed “wise,” he said.
“As a recent father myself, you become particularly sensitive to child safety when you become a parent and I know we all want our young people to have happy and safe summers,” said Arciero.
