Local News
Disaster of varying degrees and types could strike at any time, as the minister and congregation of Port Jervis’ Drew United Methodist Church well know, and they are always taking whatever steps they can to be prepared.
Recent classes held to prepare for personal medical emergencies may not guard against the types of devastating tragedies the church itself has experienced in the past, but they may just help to save the life (or lives) of those who visit and come to worship.
The church organization itself, which began as a Mission on the city’s Hudson Street in 1838, lost the first church it constructed at the corner of East Broome and Sussex Street to a cyclone in 1893. A second church which was built on the same site and dedicated in 1895 was lost to tragedy once again when it burnt to the ground in 1994. A third church, which is the building in operation today, was constructed again on the same site and dedicated in 1999.
The Board of Directors of the historic Drew Methodist Church organization recently acquired a lifesaving Automated External Defibrillator (AED) machine through a diligent search and application to the “Philips Heartstart Giving Program” and has recently completed training provided by local ambulance corps on the device.
“Like any other community organization, our church’s funds are limited,” said board member Dean Hipps. “We wondered how we would be able to afford the $1900.00 cost of an AED package, so we searched carefully online and came across the grant program and applied. We put together a package—and a few months later we were told we were approved.”
Hipps said the congregation is especially glad to have the device since their minister has a heart condition, and at least one member of the church has provided testimonial of having had her life saved by a similar AED.
“A cardiac attack can happen to anyone,” said Hipps. “We just want to be prepared to help; and after our session with the Port Jervis Volunteer Ambulance Corps we feel confident that we can do it.”
Jamie Rohner, a member of PJVAC, said he was glad to be able to help. He and two other volunteers responded to Hipps’ request for help by providing a familiarization class for the specific model of AED (automated external defibrillator) acquired by the church. During his class, Rohner provided a quick history of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, how it can happen to anyone at anytime, what to look for, how to react, how the defibrillator can be a vital lifesaving tool, and gave a quick overview of CPR just to refresh some of the newly updated recommendations.
While the ambulance corps, like the church it assisted, could also use more members and funds, Rohner said they are always willing to help in any way possible.
“We will certainly help out around the community providing information on whatever topic someone needs,” said Rohner. “If for some reason we can't help out, we'll be able to point you towards someone that can.”
Hipps said the AED device, which came with all the necessary supplies and battery, will be visibly mounted on an accessible church wall.
“We might hold additional sessions ourselves,” said Hipps. “We want everyone to feel confident about using it.”
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