PHOTOS by Mark Andreasen / CLICK to enlarge and view at your own pace

By Paula Pyzik Scott

One More gym at 125 E Buckeye Ave. has received the donation of an AED (automated external defibrillator) from Lima Memorial Health System.

The device expands access in the village to lifesaving equipment for use in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. It is in a hallway with 24-hour access, so it can be used at any time, note gym owners Nick and Amber Simon.

Lima Memorial Health System also provided a special CPR and AED awareness event on April 22 to provide education about early heart attack care and AEDs.

The American Heart Association explains that an AED “delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart when it detects an abnormal rhythm and changes the rhythm back to normal.

"AEDs help people who have a sudden cardiac arrest, which occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating regularly. This happens when the heart’s natural electrical system doesn’t work correctly. If not treated within minutes, cardiac arrest quickly leads to death.”

Also, “AEDs are intended for use by the general public (lay responders). They are portable, safe, accurate and easy to use…. The AED uses voice prompts, lights and text to tell the rescuer the steps to take.”