Help put AEDs in ISP patrol cars . . .
Are you looking for a fun way to get some exercise and help put an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) in Indiana State Police patrol cars? The “Bolt for the Heart” 5K fundraising event is held at 9 a.m. every year on Thanksgiving Day in Carmel on the Center Green.
If you can’t make the Thanksgiving Day run in Carmel, you can sign up to do the 5K Virtual Run, which you can do anytime and anyplace between now and Thanksgiving. You receive a medal and runner’s bib for signing up for the run, with options to buy shirts and hats.
For a local option, you can join Pendleton Troopers as they run 3.1 laps around Baker Park between 7 and 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20. A trooper will be present on the east side of Baker Park from 7 to 10 a.m. to answer any questions about AEDs.
If you don’t want to run but would still like to help out, you can do so by making a donation of any amount. To register and do a Virtual Run or to make a donation in any amount, click here. All funds raised from the run or donations will go towards the purchase of additional AEDs for law enforcement.
The self-paced 5K run is a great way to put down the electronics and do something fun as a family, all while supporting a worthy cause that could save a life.
Lt. Tony Delello, commander of the Pendleton State Police Post said, “We are grateful for the partnership with Bolt for the Heart and appreciate the community support to raise funds for this life saving equipment. We know everyone has busy schedules, so if you can’t join us on the run date, we hope you’ll consider a donation of any amount to help reach our goal.”
About Bolt for the Heart
Bolt for the Heart is a non-profit organization serving Indiana. Heart Reach Carmel was established in 2010 by Pierre Twer and friends and is an extension of Heart Reach Michiana, which was founded by Dr. Walt Halloran and friends in 2004. Heart Reach was established to keep monies raised locally to stay locally and impact the community close to home.
About AEDs
An AED is a portable Automated External Defibrillator used to restart someone’s heart in the event of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Each year sudden cardiac arrest kills 335,000 people of all ages and fitness levels without warning. Ninety-five percent of those who suffer from a SCA die because CPR and defibrillation usually occur too late, if at all.
If the first person on the scene knew CPR and applied an Automated External Defibrillator within five minutes, the AHA estimates that at least 40,000 more lives per year could be saved. Calling 911 and performing CPR are not enough. Most victims need an electric shock called defibrillation to restore the heart to a regular rhythm. By placing these devices in the hands of first responders and trained individuals in public locations, the chances of survival are increased.
About BFTH’s partnership with ISP
Since 2015, Bolt for the Heart has partnered with the Indiana State Police with the stated goal of placing an AED in ISP patrol cars. Thus far more than 200 AEDs have been purchased and placed into service with the Indiana State Police. In 2017, 3,000 participants help donate 97 AEDs to Indiana State Troopers. The goal for 2018 is to raise $200,000 to purchase 134 AEDs to “finish the job” by putting an AED in every State Police patrol car.