WILMINGTON, MA — At Monday’s Wilmington Board of Selectmen Meeting, Town Manager Jeff Hull announced that it just wasn’t practical for the town to install AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) at the Town playgrounds and fields.
Selectman Greg Bendel, backed by other Selectmen, requested Hull investigate the matter back in the summer.
“Multiple conversations took place with Fire Chief Joe McMahon and Recreation Director Karen Campbell,” said Town Manager Jeff Hull. “There’s just no viable way to ensure that AED devices can be available at Town parks and ballfields…. We haven’t come up with a good option for providing these devices in reliable fashion at these locations.”
Hull pointed to the fact that the devices must be stored in a climate controlled setting to ensure that the batteries have sufficient charge and that the unit performs properly.
“The bottom line is the AED devices need to be in a climate controlled environment because the batteries and pads rely upon limited range of temperatures,” explained Hull.
Hull also had a concern about theft of the devices.
“Since they would need to be easily accessible to the general public, locating them outdoors at parks or ballfields also raises the very real possibility that the units will be stolen or vandalized,” added Hull.
Selectmen were disappointed, but understanding.
“In light of what I just went through, I’m thankful that the Wilmington Police Department have one in each of their cruisers,” said Selectman Ed Loud. “I think that’s important for people to know about.”
“I also hope every Pop Warner coach, Little League coach, and the other sports’ coaches have an AED in their bag and brings it with them. I’m going to make it my mission to see that it happens,” added Loud. “If we can get all the coaches and officials at Recreation Department events to have an AED available and closely, it’s very important.”
Selectman Kevin Caira also stressed the important of proper training for coaches and those that would utilize the AEDs.
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