Press Release
Date: June 18, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Coastal Valleys EMS Agency and Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency
Provide Ukiah Unified School District Schools with Automated External Defibrillator’s
As the school year comes to an end Ukiah Unified School District is ramping up measures to be prepared in an emergency cardiac arrest situation. Last month, Ukiah Unified School District received 16 Automated External Defibrillator’s (AED) for every school in the district.
Unexpected cardiac arrest is a major cause of premature death. Effective bystander CPR provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest and early defibrillation can help reduce mortality in appropriate settings.
In 1987, the Legislature enacted SB 12 allowing each county to establish, finance, and administer an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Fund, called the Maddy EMS Fund.
Maddy revenues are generated from court fines, penalties and forfeitures for various criminal offenses including alcohol and motor vehicle violations. Fifteen percent (15%) of this fund must be used to improve access to, and coordination of pediatric trauma and emergency services in the county. Funds spent for the purposes of this section are known as Richie’s Fund. Coastal Valleys EMS Agency in partnership with Mendocino County Health & Human Services Agency, Public Health have allocated these funds to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to be distributed to Mendocino County schools.
To receive a free AED for a school in your area please contact Jen Banks, Mendocino County EMS Coordinator or Theresa Gowan, Operations Manager Medstar Ambulance.
###