AEDs go to school, rec department

A new automated external defibrillator (AED) is now on the sidelines at Whitefish High School sporting events thanks to money raised at the recent 24-Hours of Hockey game at Stumptown Ice Den.

Flathead Performance Youth Foundation sponsored the March 13 fundraiser that challenged ice hockey players to a 10-hour match. The group raised about $9,000 during the event, which was enough to purchase six portable AEDs at a cost of $1,500 per unit.

The goal was to raise enough money for 10 devices, but despite coming up a bit short, Mike Carey, president of the foundation, said he will press forward to reach that number.

"It would have been nice to purchase a couple more, but we look forward to continuing the effort next year," Carey said. "Personally, I'd like to purchase a few each year to donate to high schools across Montana."

An athletic trainer will carry one of the AEDs to Whitefish High School sponsored practices and games.

Before the donation, the only AED available was inside the school, Carey explained.

"If something happened at a football practice on the field, they would have to go into the athletic director's office to get the AED," Carey said. "When it comes to saving a life, those minutes can be the difference between life and death.

"We are seeing more and more people under 25 collapsing due to sudden cardiac arrest. The faster an AED can be utilized, the better the chance that person has of surviving."

Two of the units will go to the Whitefish Parks and Recreation Department and will be on hand at City Beach and the Stumptown Ice Den.

Another "loaner" AED will go to area events, such as the upcoming Flathead Soccer Club tournament. Flathead and Glacier high schools each received an AED, too.

Flathead Performance Youth Foundation is a charitable foundation dedicated to helping Montana children grow to their full potential both academically and athletically. Their next fundraising event is the Whitefish Friends and Family Fun Run, slated for Aug. 28.