Boone County News Release


Press Archives Press Room

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Michele Hall, Boone County Commission Administrative Coordinator
Phone: (573) 886-4312
Email: mhall@boonecountymo.org


Ed Robb Memorial Fund for Public Safety Provides Life-Saving Devices to Boone County

July 2, 2012

Former Presiding Commissioner Ed Robb continues to have a positive impact on Boone County. The Ed Robb Memorial Fund for Public Safety, established following the Presiding Commissioner's passing in September of 2011, has raised $3,400 in the three months of its existence. The fund was created to honor Commissioner Robb's dedication to public safety in Boone County, and to continue supporting the development of public safety practices. Robb's wife, Rosa, presented the check to Boone County Treasurer Nicole Galloway with the request that the money be spent to purchase automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for County Government buildings. "This is really important. It is the last real thing I can do to honor my husband," Rosa said.

AEDs are used in cases when life-threatening cardiac irregularities may lead to cardiac arrest. In cases when the heartbeat is too fast or chaotic, the shock delivered by the defibrillator can serve as a regulator. The automated device, when connected to the victim via electrodes placed on the outside of the chest, can detect if the symptoms can be treated with shock. If shock is warranted, the defibrillator will then instruct the user how to proceed. Although less complicated than manual or semi-automatic defibrillators, these devices are still designed to be used by laypersons who have been properly trained.

The donation from the Ed Robb Memorial Fund for Public Safety allowed Boone County to purchase three of the life-saving devices as well as plaques to place by each defibrillator to commemorate Ed Robb's life and his dedication to Boone County. Additionally, training will be offered to Boone County employees on CPR and the proper use of the equipment. This training will be provided by the Boone County Fire Protection District and will provide American Heart Association certification to each participant who completes training. Because research has shown that it is imperative for patients who have "flat lined" to receive CPR prior to the use of a defibrillator, CPR training is considered an essential part of the training process.



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