HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In August of 2022, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation partnered with the Kansas State Fair to provide a total of eleven Automated External Defibrillator (AED) devices to be placed in buildings around the Fairgrounds.
Understanding the importance of having these live-saving devices on such a large-scale property, Kansas State Fair staff positioned the devices in all areas of the grounds.
During the Fair, a Kansas State Fair staff member in one of the commercial buildings, along with two Kansas Highway Patrol troopers and a few Hutchinson Community College Nursing students utilized an AED device in an attempt to resuscitate a woman that collapsed. That woman died.
A separate incident occurred on the last Saturday of the Fair as two troopers were passing by the Swine Barn and were notified of a medical emergency. After assessing the individual and administering CPR, one of the troopers grabbed the AED that had been installed in the barn and applied it to the individual. That person survived.
“It gives me great comfort knowing we have the AEDs on grounds and available if needed, even beyond the ten-days of the Kansas State Fair,” stated General Manager, Bryan Schulz. “We, again, would like to thank the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Kansas for providing the devices and thank the troopers, staff and bystanders for their swift actions and prompt utilization of the AEDs.”
Kansas State Fair personnel, along with Reno County EMS, will recognize the troopers and other individuals that assisted with lifesaving efforts during this year’s Fair at the Employee/Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Tuesday, October 11, in the Domestic Arts Building.