AED Donation to Hardtner Hall From Junior League 

The McNeese State University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions accepted an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) from the Junior League of Lake Charles. 

“The Junior League of Lake Charles has been actively working to place AEDs in educational institutions throughout our community,” explained Jennifer Pugh, Junior League of Lake Charles executive vice president. “These devices are designed to be user-friendly, allowing even those without medical training to potentially save a life while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.” 

According to the American Red Cross, sudden cardiac arrest is among the leading causes of death in the United States. Potentially 350,000 people will suffer from cardiac arrest this year and the only way to restore a regular heart rhythm is to use an AED.  

“The community needs to know that anyone can operate an AED because there are instructions included with it,” said Reagan Pankey, a senior nursing major from Lake Charles. 

McNeese nursing students spend time in the community finding AEDs during their senior semester. Once they find an AED, they ensure it’s listed in the PulsePointAED app. This app will help those responding to an emergency find the closest AED. 

“Having immediate access to an AED can increase the chances of survival if used in the first few minutes after a sudden cardiac arrest,” said Lauren Dugas, a senior nursing major from Abbeville. 

There are 10 AEDs on the McNeese campus.