Automated external defibrillator (AED) stations have been installed at both Colonel Richardson High School (CRHS) and North Caroline High School (NCHS) athletic facilities. An AED is a portable, life-saving device used to treat sudden cardiac arrest. They provide public access to a device that analyzes a heart's rhythm and delivers an electrical shock if needed.
The stations were installed thanks to the efforts of the Basic Life Support (BLS) Enhancement Committee which is comprised of a volunteer representative from each fire department in Caroline County. The funding utilized for these AED Safe Stations was from billing revenue generated from 911 emergency responses in the county. These funds come into the BLS budget, and the committee members have earmarked some of the funding to support health and safety initiatives in Caroline County. Members of the committee include Christina Bartz, Brandy Boyd, Tom Frankhauser, Dianne Garey, Dawn Ramey Amberly Totaro, and Barbie Utz.
On hand at both schools to see the new equipment were CCPS Superintendent Derek L. Simmons, County Commissioner Frank Bartz, Caroline Director of Emergency Services Mark Sheridan, Caroline Emergency Medical Services Division Chief K.J. Marvel, Choptank Community Health Director of Community Based Programs and CCPS Board of Education member Christina Bartz, CCPS Supervisor of Instruction Jon Marketto and, at NCHS, Principal Matt Spiker, and at CRHS, Principal Jared Sherman.