ROCHELLE — Thanks in part to a grant from the Rochelle Area Community Foundation, the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library now has an automated external defibrillator (AED).
The AED is a medical device used to deliver an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish normal rhythm in the even of a sudden cardiac arrest. Many public locations throughout the country are installing these life-saving devices.
When applying for the grant earlier this year, Flagg-Rochelle Library director Sarah Flanagan said the goal was to be “diligently prepared for an emergency situation.”
“Safety must be a top priority in our building to ensure that all patrons and community members have a positive library experience,” Flanagan said.

According to the American Red Cross website, over 350,000 will experience sudden cardiac arrest this year.
“An AED is the only effective treatment for restoring a regular heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest and is an easy to operate tool for someone with no medical background,” as stated on the website.
The library’s staff and board members will be trained to use the AED and become CPR certified this week.
Flanagan said the AED purchased by the library will work on both adults and children.