ImageTom Perna, of Aventric Technologies, gave Rotary of Grosse Pointe members a demonstration on use of the Automated External Defibrillator at the club's Oct. 29 luncheon meeting at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. Perna, of Grosse Pointe Woods, was introduced by Suzy Berschback of Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe.

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He pointed out that the War Memorial has two AEDs on premises and asked how many Rotarians know where they were kept. Perna said the AED should be used when the patient is unconscious and not breathing or not breathing normally. "If he (the patient) asks why you are doing this," Perna said, "you are probably jumping the gun a little." The proper procedure if someone collapses, he said, is to call 911, start CPR and send someone for the AED.

The greatest uses of AEDs are on commercial airlines and at casinos, he said. Schools are another important venue for AEDs, especially in line with tragic incidents involving student athletes. AEDs cost about $1,500 and have sophisticated software that tells users exactly what to do and will not shock the patient unless vital signs warrant it. "The AED is not going to shock if it detects (an unwarranted condition)," Perna said, "so you can't accidentally shock someone."