Upper Darby honors veteran"s legacy with AED initiative at VFW posts
- The initiative to install AEDs at VFW and American Legion posts was sparked by the heart attack death of Army veteran Brian Sharif Taylor.
- State representatives secured a $40,000 grant to fund the purchase and installation of AEDs in Delaware County.
- The effort aims to enhance the safety of veterans and is supported by training from the Newtown Square Fire Company.
In Delaware County, a new initiative aims to enhance the safety of veterans by providing access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at VFW and American Legion posts. This effort was prompted by the tragic death of Army veteran Brian Sharif Taylor, who suffered a heart attack while serving at Upper Darby American Legion Post 214. His passing at the age of 49 highlighted the urgent need for life-saving equipment in these community spaces. State representatives Lisa Borowski and Jennifer O'Mara have secured a $40,000 grant to fund the purchase and installation of AEDs across all VFW and American Legion posts in the area by the end of the year. This initiative reflects a commitment to honoring the sacrifices made by veterans and ensuring their safety in public spaces. The Newtown Square Fire Company will assist in training VFW staff on how to effectively use the AEDs, emphasizing that the devices are user-friendly and come with clear instructions. This training is crucial, as it empowers staff to act swiftly in emergencies, potentially saving lives. Research from Johns Hopkins University indicates that AEDs can save approximately 1,700 lives annually, underscoring the importance of this initiative. A celebration event for the grant will take place at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial in Newtown Square, further raising awareness about the need for such life-saving technology in veteran communities.