CLEPC donates AED to Canyon Lake community

The new AED is located inside the guard shack at the east gate. Photo by Donna Ritchie

The Canyon Lake Emergency Preparedness Committee (CLEPC) purchased an automated external defibrillator (AED) for $1800 and donated it to the community.

“The community donates to us for emergency preparedness, so we wanted to give back to the community in the form of a life-saving device,” said Emergency Preparedness Committee President Larry Greene.

The new AED is located inside the guard shack at the east gate. The POA purchased signs that indicate the location of the AED and posted them at the pickleball courts, basketball courts and dog park.

An AED is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. AEDs are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest, a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating.

CLEPC also gives back to the community in the form of free CPR classes, which include instructions on how to use an AED. The committee also provides first aid stations for many of the events in Canyon Lake, including Fiesta Day, Car Show and Veterans Day Celebration.

The CLEPC is a committee made up of community volunteers who are committed to preparing and educating the community for emergencies, medical and shelter services, providing assessment and assisting in recovery after a disaster.

Many of the volunteers are trained in damage assessment, CPR, AED, and CERT. At least 18 members are licensed ham radio operators. Some of the members are trained by the Red Cross for mass sheltering.

The CLEPC meets once a month on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Canyon Lake City Hall. Speakers speak on subjects related to Emergency Preparedness.

The next meeting is Feb. 8. New members are always welcomed. Training is available for those who wish to be a working part of the Emergency Preparedness Committee.