Webster County residents will now have access to lifesaving automated external defibrillators, thanks to a Mississippi Department of Health initiative that allows the purchase and placement of the machines in rural communities.

The MDH Rural AED Program recently placed AEDs in Webster and 21 other counties.

An AED is a device that automatically analyzes the heart rhythm and through computerized voice instructions alerts the first responder when to push the button that could deliver a potentially lifesaving shock to the victim. According to Keith Parker, director of the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services with the Mississippi Department of Health, an AED is instrumental in the event of a heart attack.

"The Mississippi Department of Health is pleased to contribute to such an important initiative," said Parker. "The AEDs provide earlier access to emergency care across all areas of the state. First responders in rural areas of the state are often the first to arrive on the scene of a medical emergency, and this new equipment will help them keep victims alive until they can be treated at the hospital."

He added, "Wherever these AEDs are located, the program provides funding for training so personnel will have a better chance of providing emergency medical treatment to those suffering from a heart attack."

Warning signs of a heart attack include chest discomfort; discomfort in other areas of the upper body; pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort; and breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness.

"The cardiac chain of survival is early access to care (911), early CPR, early defibrillation and early advanced cardiac life support," said Parker. "With the placement of AEDs in rural areas throughout the state, cardiac arrest victims now have a better chance of survival."

For more information on this program, the public can call 1-866-HLTHY4U (1-866-458-4948) or visit the Rural Health Program section of the Mississippi Department of Health website at www.HealthyMS.com.