Piedmont HealthCare, United Way, Iredell Health System, and Iredell Rescue Squad Unite to Strengthen Emergency Response in Iredell County

August 1st, 2023 (Statesville NC) – In a strategic partnership with United Way, Piedmont HealthCare, Iredell Health System, and Iredell Rescue Squad, we are proud to announce a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing a critical need in Iredell County’s emergency response capabilities. Through United Way’s Community Investment Panel, 7 out of 9 originally requested Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been generously allocated to the Iredell Rescue Squad. To further support the initiative, Piedmont HealthCare, and Iredell Health System are funding the remaining 2 AEDs, bringing the total to 9 AED devices.

An AED is a portable medical device used to deliver an electrical shock to the heart in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. During such an emergency, time is of the essence, and immediate intervention is crucial to increase the chances of survival. By providing 9 AED devices, each Iredell Rescue apparatus is ensured to have an AED available for use.

“Iredell County Rescue Squad has seen a significant increase in call volume over the last several years. Cardiac emergencies are on a steady rise and as a first responding agency, we must be equipped to handle these emergency situations,” said Brian Niblock, Deputy Chief with Iredell Rescue Squad. “The current AEDs we have, have become outdated and supplies and parts are becoming hard to find. Having access to these new AEDs will undoubtedly save more lives, give us the ability to transition over when EMS arrives and, most of all, make a significant difference to the community we serve.”

The Iredell County Rescue Squad & Fire Inc., which has been serving the area since 1961, plays a crucial role in providing rescue & medical assistance throughout the 225 square miles it serves, both in the city of Statesville and county areas. Iredell Rescue responded to an astounding 6,778 emergency calls in 2022 alone.

“We are proud of our longstanding support for rescue squads across our service area. Since 1963, our donors have helped provide more than 2.2 million dollars in support for these vital first responders. Our partnership with local healthcare organizations has been a big part of that success from the very first, and this is another example of these amazing organizations stepping up to serve the people of Iredell County. A big thank you to Iredell Health System and Piedmont HealthCare,” said Brett Eckerman, Executive Director for United Way of Iredell County.

About Piedmont HealthCare

Piedmont HealthCare is one of the largest physician-owned multi-specialty groups in North Carolina and the 5th largest healthcare organization in the Charlotte Metro market. We are committed to providing excellent care for the whole family. We have more than 70 convenient locations and over 215 physicians and providers across multiple specialties to provide our community with the most innovative medical care. www.piedmonthealthcare.com.

About Iredell Health System Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; two urgent care centers; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest and only nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare facility has 247 beds; more than 1,800 employees; and has 260 physicians representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The Health System’s second campus, Iredell Mooresville, is home to the area’s only 24-hour urgent care facility, as well as an ambulatory surgery center, imaging center, rehabilitation services, and physician practices. The mission of Iredell Health System is to inspire well-being. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit www.iredellhealth.org.

About United Way of Iredell County United Way of Iredell County fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Iredell County. Last year we invested more than 1.2 million dollars in 59 local serving non-profits to achieve this goal. More information is available at www.uwiredell.org.