Foundation, hospital donate lifesaving device to Belington VFD

BELINGTON -- A local volunteer fire department is showing its gratitude for being donated a high-tech device that could be a lifesaver.

The Davis Health System Foundation and Broaddus Hospital have donated an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to the Belington Volunteer Fire Department.

"We are incredibly grateful to our friends at Broaddus Hospital and the DHS Foundation for their generous donation," said Bernie Corley, Firefighter First Class with the Belington VFD. "An AED enhances our ability to provide critical care to those experiencing cardiac emergencies."

An AED is "a portable device that delivers an electric shock to the heart in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, potentially saving the life of a victim by restoring normal heart rhythm," according to a DHS press release. "With the timely intervention of an AED, the chances of survival for someone experiencing cardiac arrest increase significantly.

"Volunteer firefighters are often the first to arrive at the scene of medical emergencies, including cardiac arrests, and having access to an AED can make a lifesaving difference," the release states..

In appreciation of the donation, Corley and Thairon Holler, Lieutenant/EMT-B with the Belington VFD, recently presented a Certificate of Gratitude to Broaddus Hospital.

"Community partnerships to foster safer and healthier communities is part of our mission," said DHS Foundation Executive Director Mike Bell. "Together, we can ensure that our communities remain prepared to respond to emergencies effectively."

The DHS Foundation and Broaddus Hospital have a long-standing commitment to supporting initiatives that promote health and safety in the Barbour County community. In 2023, they partnered with the Barbour County Commission to purchase the fire department's first AED device.

For more information about the DHS Foundation and their initiatives, visit dhsfoundation.com.