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Idaho FD launches AED access program after EMS chief suffers heart attack

The hotel that Nampa EMS Chief Tom Wright was staying in did not have an AED, but thankfully an EMS chief from another department did

NAMPA, Idaho — After Nampa Fire District EMS Chief Tom Wright survived a heart attack last fall, the department announced it is launching two new programs to improve community access to AEDs.

Wright experienced symptoms like chest pain radiating down his arm and nausea while in his hotel room during a chief’s conference in McCall in September, KTVB reported.

“Just thought it was stress,” Wright said. “I was like, I have to be down with my guys at the conference. So, I went down to the conference. When I got there, one of our chiefs actually asked me, ‘are you having a heart attack?’ That’s when I suddenly realized, on my part, that I was.”


8 steps to purchase an AED for your department or community

The hotel lacked an automated external defibrillator (AED), but fortunately, JD Hendrick, the Meridian Fire EMS chief, had one and successfully restarted Wright’s heart.

While recovering in the hospital, Wright was visited by retired chief Jeff Mutchie, who now works on special projects. Their conversation that day inspired two new community initiatives set to launch in February.

The first initiative is an AED loaner program, funded by grants and community donations, allowing residents to borrow devices for events and gatherings. The district will also offer monthly CPR classes, teaching participants how to use an AED. Additionally, they plan to equip all staff vehicles with AEDs and raise funds to place devices in every Nampa police car.

“To get at least 90% of our citizens trained in CPR,” Wright said, “that’s our eventual goal. It’s pretty lofty, but I think we can do it. It can really affect a lot of people’s lives.”

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.