|
To a large extent, the success of your defibrillation program relies on an effective awareness campaign, because many people simply don't know about the prevalence of SCA and the role of early defibrillation in treating it. By educating the public, you can gain support from both the public and private sectors, in the form of financial backing, volunteer participation, and potential citizen responders.
Consider using public-relations materials to create awareness about your program. For instance, holding press conferences, writing press materials, and developing a relationships with local reporters can be invaluable.
In addition to attracting a wide audience via the press, you'll want to meet with small, influential groups, such as local business leaders, civic organization, and public officials. These meetings might include a slide presentation describing SCA survival rates with and without early defibrillation, as well as a demonstration with a mannequin and a defibrillator training unit. The presenters might offer to help with fund-raising efforts or provide training sessions to interested participants.
No one should have to run the awareness campaign alone. A community-based program needs a small but effective task force to get the program off the ground.
Once your task force is assembled, be sure to collect everyone's contact information (e.g., place of business, phone number, fax number, and e-mail address). Select a chairperson to tend to the administrative details, such as scheduling meetings, taking minutes, and ensuring goals are met. You might also elect a primary spokesperson to represent your program.
|
