Hansen Family Hospital has recently announced the purchase of new medical defibrillators and AED’s through a donation from the Hospital Foundation Board.

The monetary donation will allow the hospital to purchase four defibrillators for the emergency, inpatient, and surgery departments of the hospital.  The AED’s will be purchased for future use by the Ackley Medical Center, Iowa Falls Clinic, and Nesco Family Medical Clinic.

A defibrillator is a device that monitors heart rhythm and oxygenation levels during medical situations.  Trained healthcare professionals use the devise to send an electric pulse or shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat.

An AED is used to save the lives of people experiencing cardiac arrest.

ARD’s can be used by anyone, whereas defibrillators must only be operated by trained medical professionals.