The Tennessean, Portland, TN, Mon, 2009-11-02
Portland school leaders' feeling of safety has been revived after Portland Gateview Elementary School received an automated external defibrillator.
Garrison Service Co. of Nashville, along with the Nashville Area Red Cross, donated the device after school leaders sent out letters asking for donations to purchase one. They did so in response to plans to close the hospital nearest the school.
The device can be used in an emergency to shock a person's heart into beating after cardiac arrest.
"When we think about our students, faculty, staff and visitors, their safety, both physical and emotional, is of the utmost concern," said Ondie Mitchell, assistant principal. "Knowing that an AED will be on the premises provides a certain level of comfort."

