Affinity Plus takes steps toward heart and community safety
Installation of AED devices in all branches provides accessibility to life-saving equipment
ST PAUL, MN (May 10, 2016) — Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union recently equipped all of its branch locations with Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, helping create heart safe communities across the state of Minnesota. These devices are used to assist victims who experience sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is the most frequent killer of adults in the United States and affects over 4,000 Minnesotans each year. The use of AEDs, along with CPR, can increase the survival of a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest by 85% if used within the first two minutes of an arrest.
“Knowing these statistics and the number of Minnesotans we serve, the decision to install these lifesaving machines was an easy one,” said President and CEO Dave Larson. “Making this commitment to our branch facilities is one way we are able to show our care and concern for our members and employees.”
Affinity Plus also put a strong focus on ensuring all employees were properly trained and required each to take an online training course about the AED devices. The course covered the signs of sudden cardiac arrest, how the AED device functions, and how to administer treatment if such an emergency should occur.
“One of our members made note of the machine and said he loved that more businesses are making the effort to have these machines accessible for the public,” said Coon Rapids Branch Manager, Patty Petermeier. “My team and I feel safer and are confident that if something were to happen to a member or one of us, we are prepared to do everything we can to help save that person.”
For further information on Affinity Plus, visit www.affinityplus.org.
About Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Based in St. Paul, Minn., Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative that puts people first above profits. Members of Affinity Plus receive maximum value through competitive rates, minimal fees, and unique, member-centric products and programs. Established in 1930, Afinity Plus has 30 branches located throughout Minnesota and is owned by more than 230,000 members. Affinity Plus has over $3.5 billion in assets. Additional information is available at www.affinityplus.org or by calling (800) 322-7228.
