Posey Health Department partners to provide 24/7 access to AED

Members of the Posey County Health Department and community celebrate this new AED medical equipment located at the riverfront. Left to right are Lilly Watzlavik (Mt. Vernon High), Chief Jay Price (Black Township Fire), Chief Robbie Wilson (Mt. Vernon Fire), Mayor Steve Loehr (City of Mt. Vernon), Kyle Jones (Administrator – Posey County Health), Libby Kern (PHEP Coordinator – Posey County Health), Councilman Andy Hoehn (Mt. Vernon City Council), and Libby Reese (Mt. Vernon High School student).

As part of the Posey Health Department’s ongoing commitment to improving the health and safety of our communities, the Posey County Health Department has partnered with the Mt. Vernon Fire Department, Black Township Fire Department, Sinnett Facility Services, and the City of Mt. Vernon to acquire and install a SaveStation Tower.

The SaveStation Tower provides the public with 24/7 access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) in the event of a sudden cardiac emergency. The climate-controlled tower protects the AED from weather and extreme temperatures, allowing this lifesaving equipment to remain safely accessible outdoors year-round.

The SaveStation also includes several security and emergency-response features. When the cabinet is opened, a photograph is taken and an audible alarm sounds. If the AED is removed, a notification is sent to dispatch so that first responders can be sent to the location to assist.

AEDs are designed to be used by members of the public, even those without medical training. Once activated, the AED provides clear, step-by-step voice instructions to guide the user through the process of helping someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

To our knowledge, this is the first SaveStation Tower installed in the Tri-State area, and we are excited to bring this lifesaving resource to Posey County.

AEDs are already located throughout Posey County; however, many are inside schools, businesses, government buildings, and other facilities that may be locked after normal operating hours. The SaveStation project will allow AEDs to be strategically placed in high-traffic public areas where they can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The tower will also contain a Stop the Bleed kit, providing another potentially lifesaving resource during an emergency involving severe bleeding.

We hope these emergency resources are never needed. However, when a cardiac arrest or other life-threatening emergency occurs, having the right equipment immediately available can make a critical difference.

The Posey County Health Department hopes to expand this initiative by installing additional SaveStation Towers throughout Posey County. Individuals, businesses, organizations, and corporations interested in partnering with us or supporting the project are encouraged to contact the Posey County Health Department at 812-838-1328.