GIVING RICHMONDERS THE POWER TO SAVE A LIFE
Ukrop’s and First Market Bank Complete Installation of Heart Defibrillators in 43 Locations
Three-Pound Device “Jump Starts” Heart for Sudden Cardiac Arrest Victims
RICHMOND, VA – June 4, 2007 - Ukrop’s Super Markets, Inc. and First Market Bank today announced the final installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in 43 locations, including 28 grocery stores (25 with in-store bank branches), nine freestanding bank branches and six related support locations.
An AED is a life-saving device that “jump-starts” a heart in sudden cardiac arrest using an electrical shock. The latest generation of AEDs – Philips HeartStart OnSite Defibrillators – weighs just 3.3 pounds and can be carried easily to a victim’s side. AEDs can be used to treat infants, children and adults in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.
The device, powered by a four-year lithium battery, uses clear, calm voice instructions to guide a user through each step of defibrillation, including CPR instructions if needed. The units regularly perform automatic self tests to ensure their continued readiness in the event of an emergency.
Ukrop’s and First Market Bank both have installed the devices in visible, high-traffic areas of their stores, branches and key support areas.
Fortunately, Ukrop’s has only one reported incident since 2003 of an AED being used in one of its stores to save the life of a shopper. To date, there have not been any situations requiring an AED in First Market Bank locations.
AED roll out in Ukrop’s stores
Ukrop’s initially rolled out AED units in 15 of its stores in December 2003 by partnering with the American Heart Association’s Richmond chapter for its Save Lives Now! Richmond campaign. With more than 70,000 customers visiting a Ukrop’s location on any given day, the company now has AED units placed in all of its stores.
“Our hope is that one day there will be an AED in every corner and in every home, like a fire extinguisher, as both are lifesaving devices,” said Linda Vines, vice president of Save Lives Now! for the American Heart Association’s Richmond chapter.
“Ukrop’s and First Market Bank have been on the forefront to help ensure that lifesaving AEDs are positioned around town. In fact, Ukrop’s has played a significant role in the success of our campaign since Save Lives Now! started.”
AED roll out in First Market Bank branches
First Market Bank completed the installation of AEDs in its nine freestanding branches this month. The bank partnered with the American Red Cross (Greater Richmond Chapter) for its AED purchases, training and rollout.
“Critical elements like AEDs close at hand and people trained in CPR, coupled with committed organizations like Fist Market Bank and others all help increase the odds of survival,” said Mark Whiting, vice president, American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter.
First Market Bank officials view the AEDs as part of being a great place to work and bank. “The AEDs are a small investment in keeping our customers and teammates safe. They can save a life, and that’s incredible peace of mind,” said Elizabeth “Betsy” Lockard Nelson, president and chief customer officer for First Market Bank.
How prevalent are AEDs in the Richmond area?
The local American Heart Association chapter has placed 1,000 AED devices throughout the Richmond area, primarily in high-traffic areas, like schools, gyms and malls. The local American Red Cross chapter has helped to locate more than 200 units in the Richmond area.
Both organizations offer programs to help businesses and organizations develop and implement defibrillation programs that include training, oversight, and installation.
Why make AEDs accessible?
- Studies show that survival rates are drastically increased when an AED is used within three to five minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest event. A victim's chances of survival are reduced by seven to 10 percent with every minute that passes without defibrillation.
- Sudden cardiac arrest is caused by ventricular fibrillation and is responsible for about 335,000 adult deaths annually in the United States and approximately 800 per year in the greater Richmond area. About 95 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital.
Philips, a manufacturer of AEDs, indicates that 40,000 lives could be saved each year in the United States with widespread access to defibrillators.
About Ukrop’s
Ukrop's Super Markets, Inc., founded and headquartered in Richmond, Va., with more than 5,400 associates now operates 28 retail food stores, Joe's Market, a central bakery and kitchen, and a distribution center. Since 1937, the privately held business remains dedicated to its version of the Golden Rule: “treating customers, associates and suppliers as they personally want to be treated.” Each year, Ukrop's gives a minimum of 10 percent of its pre-tax profits back to the community. Ukrop's was a pioneer in both loyalty marketing and meal solutions when it launched its Valued Customer® program in 1987 and its chilled prepared foods in 1989. In 1997, Ukrop's established a unique partnership to place banks in its retail locations. Today, it co-owns, with Markel Corporation, 25 First Market Bank branches in Ukrop's locations and nine free-standing branches. www.ukrops.com
About First Market Bank
Locally owned and operated, First Market Bank was founded and is headquartered in Richmond, Va. As First Market Bank approaches its 10-year anniversary, it has grown to more than 300 teammates and a network of full-service locations (including 25 in-store branches and nine freestanding branches). It has more than $1 billion in deposits and offers a full range of both retail and commercial products and offers mortgage, trust and investment services. www.firstmarketbank.com
Contacts:
Mandy Burnette
Ukrop's Super Markets, Inc.
(804) 340-3094
Mandy.Burnette@ukrops.com
Katie Gilstrap
First Market Bank
(804) 327-7567
Katie.Gilstrap@firstmarketbank.com
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