Prepared for the Unexpected

On Wednesday, November 5, staff at the Fort Kent Public Library received training on the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Registered Nurse Mackenzie Dubay of NMMC volunteered her time and expertise at the FKPL monthly staff meeting. She showed everyone how to start the machine and follow the clear instructions it gives in the unfortunate case there is a need to restart someone's heart.

She also showed library staff how to check the battery power, and how to handle some of the unusual situations that might occur during the use of an AED.

The AED is a portable medical device that can be used to treat sudden cardiac arrest by delivering an electrical shock to the heart. The library is keeping the device next to the fire extinguisher on the upper floor.