INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — McKee Botanical Garden is now equipped with on-site Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) thanks to a generous grant from the Indian River Community Foundation – Indian River Club Outreach Foundation Fund.
AEDs are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest, which is a leading cause of death in adults over the age of 40. AEDs can provide treatment to victims of sudden cardiac arrest until appropriate rescue personnel arrive and potentially increase an individual’s chances of survival. The American Heart Association promotes having access to AEDs in public or private places where large groups gather, and McKee is pleased to be one of a growing number of businesses to have AEDs on-site.
McKee Botanical Garden Executive Director Christine Hobart said, “Through the purchase of on-site AEDs, the Garden is now better prepared to provide our guest community with the best possible and immediate treatment in the case of an emergency.” She added, “We wish to thank the Indian River Community Foundation – Indian River Club Outreach Foundation Fund for their gift and helping to ensure the safety and welfare of our over 50,000 visitors annually.”
The grant was applied towards the purchase of two AEDs that have been placed throughout the facility. A Heartsaver CPR and AED training session facilitated by Florida Heart CPR was held for Garden staff members and volunteers. Signage will be posted indicating that McKee is an AED equipped facility, providing reassurance to visitors.
The recommendation to have AEDs at the Garden came from McKee gift shop volunteer Penny Eshleman. Eshleman has made it her personal crusade to promote the importance of having AEDs and proper training after a friend’s life was saved. The Garden is grateful to Eshleman for her encouragement and desire to make a difference at McKee.
McKee Botanical Garden is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture and enhance a historic garden in a unique tropical setting for the education, enjoyment and enrichment of all. McKee Botanical Garden is located at 350 US 1 in Vero Beach. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. The Garden is closed Mondays. For more information, please call (772) 794-0601 or visit www.mckeegarden.org.
