Bothwell Foundation Presents Two AEDs to Sedalia Parks & Rec

The Bothwell Foundation recently presented two automated external defibrillators (AED) to the Sedalia Parks and Recreation Department to be placed at Richard Vansell Little League Field and Moore’s Train House at Sedalia Liberty Park.

An AED is a small, lightweight device that allows individuals and first responders to treat sudden cardiac arrest by delivering a shock to the victim's chest, ideally restarting their heart.

According to research, the majority of sudden heart attack victims have good chances of survival under certain common conditions, including that the event is witnessed, the collapse occurs in a large public place, an AED is handy, and bystanders use CPR and the AED. An AED is effective and easy to use.

Funds to purchase the device were raised during the Bothwell Foundation’s 2021 Wear Red for Women luncheon and auction. Event proceeds allowed the foundation to purchase and place 12 AEDs in various locations in Sedalia and Pettis County where groups frequently gather.

In the photo: Front row, from left, Lori Wightman, Bothwell CEO and Wear Red Committee co-chair; Amy Epple, Sedalia Parks and Recreation director; and Dianne Simon, Thompson Hills Investment Corporation property manager and Wear Red Committee co-chair. Back row, from left, Robin Balke, Wear Red Committee member; Lauren Thiel-Payne, Bothwell Foundation executive director; and Erica Petersen, Wear Red Committee member. The 2022 Wear Red for Women event is Feb. 25, 2022.