Community Heroes Answer the Call: Neighbors Saving Neighbors Program
On Wednesday, Aug. 20, a remarkable display of community teamwork unfolded when members of Fairfield Medical Center and local resident Lydia Fratta, a staff member at the Family YMCA of Lancaster and Fairfield County, leapt into action to aid a neighbor in distress. Their swift response to a nearby medical emergency was powered by the innovative Avive AED (automated external defibrillator) system, which connects in real-time with emergency dispatch to alert nearby devices and trained users of a possible cardiac arrest.
Upon receiving the alert, Lydia, FMC staff members Jess Patterson, Katy Niam, Mady Wills and FMC cardiologist John Lazarus, MD, PhD, all responded to the address. Although the individual in need was thankfully not experiencing cardiac arrest, this rapid community response demonstrated how effective and promising the program is.
“When bystanders begin CPR and use an AED to restart to the heart before EMS arrives, the chance of survival and recovery increases dramatically,” explained Dr. Lazarus. “When we got to the scene and realized Lydia was also responding to the Avive alert, it moved this passion project from a concept to reality.”
The moment was a proud milestone in the ongoing efforts of Community Heart Watch, which has championed the rollout of Avive AEDs across the region to support its vision of building a “Neighbors Saving Neighbors” program. The devices, which deliver a life-saving shock to restart the heart when needed, are placed strategically to create overlapping networks of trained responders who can reach those in crisis within minutes of collapse. These efforts are especially vital in rural areas where first responder response times may be delayed due to geography and staffing challenges.
FMC and Community Heart Watch – a committee formed by local healthcare professionals, educators and civic leaders – are committed to improving cardiac arrest survival in the region by increasing training, awareness and access to resources. For more information about Community Heart Watch and to learn whether the Avive AED is right for your home or business, visit fmchealth.org/community-heart-watch.