Doctor, Genesis Donate AED to Olanta Elementary

Doctor, Genesis Donate AED to Olanta Elementary
Posted on 03/09/2018
Doctor, Genesis Donate AED to Olanta Elementary

Olanta Elementary School is now better prepared to respond to cardiac arrest thanks to the donation of an automated external defibrillator (AED) by Olanta physician Dr. Priscilla Welch and Genesis Health Care, Inc.

Howard Nettles, marketing director for Genesis, presented the AED to Florence County School District Three Superintendent Laura Hickson, OES Principal Dr. Cutina Barrineau, school nurse Jennifer Feagin during a visit to Olanta Elementary Friday morning.

An AED is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. According to the American Heart Association, the shock can potentially stop an irregular heart beat (arrhythmia) and allow a normal rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA occurs when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly. If not treated within minutes, it quickly leads to death.

Nettles said after a medical incident at the school earlier this year, Dr. Welch contacted Genesis and asked what they could do to help the school be better prepared for a medical emergency.

“We contacted the school to find out how we could help,” Nettles said.

“We appreciate the partnership we have with Dr. Welch,” said Barrineau. “She has been an awesome business partner with us for a long time and has always been so supportive of our school.”