Salem Fire Foundation Accepts $30,000 donation from Salem Health

The Salem Fire Foundation (SFF) was front and center at the Ready for Attack:  Preparing for Sudden Cardiac Arrest education event at Salem Health Feb. 29.  Salem Fire Chief Mike Niblock, SFF Executive Director Mary Louise VanNatta, Board Member Alex Rhoten and Advisory Team Member Alison Kelley were on hand to accept a generous donation of $30,000 toward the Foundation’s efforts after the presentation.

Ashit Patel, MC, FACC, FHRS of Cascade Cardiology, first spoke to attendees about the science of the heart and how heart attacks, sudden cardiac arrests and other heart related issues occur and can be treated.  He shared important symptoms and advised the audience on the importance of knowing family history and be aware of lifestyle factors that contribute to heart issues.

Willy Giddings, Training Officer of the Salem Fire Department also spoke and narrated a full mega code for the audience using a training manikin.

February was Heart Month.  Salem Health treated 241 cardiac alerts last year.