The Simpson community now has an automated externaldefibrillator. What’s that? It shocks the heart to reset its rhythmin the event of a heart attack.

The AED cost $2,100. It was purchased with donations from theSimpson Wellness Program, the Simpson Guild and faculty and staffmembers.

The request for the funding had been in progress for severalyears, but budget constraints were always an obstacle.

“I’ve wanted one for four years, but there was no money in thebudget,” said Michelle Cross, Simpson’s nurse. “It just took a fewyears to coordinate the funds.”

According to Cross, the push to raise enough funds for the AEDwas spearheaded by Associate Professor of Management RuthWeatherly.

“It was great for us that she was willing to do that on her owntime,” Cross said.

Weatherly is aware of the benefits of having an AED oncampus.

“I have a family member with a cardiac situation, and I simplybelieve the number of people here makes it necessary to have it,”Weatherly said.

The faculty and staff members who also contributed are JohnBolen, Frank Colella, Maria DiPalma, Amy Doling, Jan Everhart,Marilyn Mueller, Carole Richardson, Bruce Sloan, Nancy St. Clair,Brian Steffen and Richard Tinder.

Even though the AED is relatively easy to use, Director ofSecurity Chris Frerichs emphasized the need for dialing 911 in theevent of an emergency.

“After calling 911, the information is dispatched to us so wecan respond quickly to the proper place,” Frerichs said.

The AED is located just outside the security office but Frerichscautioned against using it improperly.

“[There] is a $200 fine and possible prosecution for anyone totake it when there is no emergency,” Frerichs said. “It is a partof the fire and life safety equipment and shouldn’t be taken for ajoke.”