Thanks to the Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety Program, North Valley Music School was able to acquire an AED for the community music school and train 10 teachers and staff in CPR and AED use.

Flathead Electric Cooperative developed the program to help identify and fix safety hazards in our neighborhoods by awarding grants to non-profit organizations to help pay for these life-safety projects throughout our entire service territory. Roundup for Safety is funded by participating members who voluntarily “round up” their monthly electric bill to the nearest dollar with the extra money going to a fund for these projects.

The only effective cure for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is immediate treatment with a defibrillator. If a cardiac arrest victim is shocked with a defibrillator within the first minute of collapse, the chances for survival are close to 90%. Additionally, 60% of all Sudden Cardiac Arrests are witnessed, and 50% of victims have no prior symptoms.

“Being trained and prepared with an AED can mean the difference between the life and death of a friend, co-worker, or loved one,” said Jessica Shaw, NVMS Director of Opportunity. “NVMS is always looking to care for our students and teachers, especially as our attendance rates continue to grow. We are so thankful to the community members who round up and to the Cooperative for accepting our grant application.”