June 6 was a day filled with giving and generosity, but one donation stood out the most to Kali Meonske, NEOMED director of public safety and chief of police. On Giving Day, University Hospitals Portage Medical Center donated three automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to the NEOMED police department.
“I’d like to offer a huge thank-you to University Hospitals for their generous donation of potentially life-saving equipment. We also appreciate the Rootstown Fire Department for assisting us with this donation,” said Chief Meonske (pictured third from left).
“Chief Charles Palmer (not pictured) from the Rootstown Fire Department and Daniel Ellenberger, director of EMS training and disaster preparedness institute for University Hospitals (pictured at far right), were key in facilitating this donation,” Chief Meonske said.
The three AEDs, valued around $2,000 per device, will be distributed so that both police cruisers and the police department office at NEOMED are equipped with a device.
Ray Pace, University Hospitals Portage Medical Center EMS coordinator (pictured at far left); William Benoit, president of University Hospitals Portage Medical Center (pictured second to left); Kelly DiBona, NEOMED police officer (pictured fourth from left); and Terri Moncoveish, NEOMED police officer (pictured fifth from left) were present and instrumental in the donation.
AEDs around campus
According to the American Red Cross, sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.—and it can happen to anyone. AEDs are the only effective treatment for restoring a regular heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. These devices are easy to operate, even by someone with no medical background.
AEDs are now located in eight places across campus, as well as in the two NEOMED police cruisers. Remember these locations; an AED can help save a life!
- near P-36 (Physical Plant)
- across from A-200 (second floor of the A building)
- adjacent to F-233 (second floor of the F building)
- next to R-158 in Campbell Atrium
- Wasson Center
- Summa Health, in the NEW Center
- Sequoia Wellness Center, near the locker room entrance
- in the Police Station, M-112
If students, staff or faculty have questions about the devices, they should contact the NEOMED police department at 330.325.5911 (or 9-1-1 in an emergency).