Lifesavers in the Park Tuesday

This Tuesday, Community Ambulance Service of New Rockford (CASNR) will again host Lifesavers in the Park, their annual community celebration.

The event takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Centennial Park. A freewill meal of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs with sides and beverages will be served, and residents can meet and interact with their local first responders and community health partners.

This past year has marked an important milestone for CASNR. In November 2017, New Rockford obtained "Cardiac Ready Community" designation, and was the fifth community in the state to do so.

At the time, they placed 27 AEDs throughout the county. In addition, more than a dozen first responders began carrying AEDs in their vehicle to provide assistance on the spot when needed. They also provided community training on how to use AEDs in the event of a cardiac emergency.

Last fall marked the fifth anniversary of the designation, and CASNR Manager Angie Hopfauf began the work of visiting each AED location. In the time since she has documented all of them to determine the level of service needed for each.

All AEDs periodically require new batteries and pads, and with 42 devices in the county, keeping them all in working order is a significant expense. Hopfauf is currently writing a grant to help cover the cost of refreshing those life-saving devices, and more funds are needed to complete her work.

Letters have also been sent out to all the businesses and organizations who host AEDs. CASNR has offered to train their current staff on AED use in the event of an emergency.

These are some of the regular tasks required for New Rockford to retain its Cardiac Ready Community status. They were one of five in 2017, and now are among 19 communities and campuses across the state working to improve the survival rate of cardiac emergencies.

Beyond AEDs and cardiac emergency care, Hopfauf said CASNR's recent focus has been on recruitment. They have had a presence at the Summer Street Markets, also in Centennial Park. There will also be information at Lifesavers in the Park about upcoming classes and opportunities to volunteer.

Another highlight of the annual event is the dunk tank. This year, four area men are in the wet seat.

Jesse Anderson, chief deputy of the Eddy County Sheriff's Department, will start things off from 6-6:30 p.m. NR-S high school English teacher Brady Eichelberger follows, from 6:30-7 p.m. Sergeant Bennett Sauve will take the 7-7:30 p.m. slot, and basketball coach Chance LaBrie will be the last on deck, from 7:30-8 p.m.

A variety of businesses, organizations and public agencies focused on health and wellness will also have a presence at the event:

• Eddy County Public Health

• Lake Region 911

• Eddy County Mutual Ministries

• Eddy County Community Cares

• CHI Carrington

• Emergency Management

• Community Action

• Lake Region District Health - Tobacco Education

• Lake Region District Health - Womens Way

• Lake Region District Health - Family Planning

• New Rockford Fire Department

The event will also feature ambulance tours and fun activities for the kids. Don't miss Lifesavers in the Park this Tuesday.