WAUPUN — Pella Lutheran Church decided an automated external defibrillator was a good investment.

They raised the $1,800 to purchase the AED and bought one similar to those used by the Waupun police and fire departments and Brooks Ambulance.

"We wanted one that was going to be compatible with the police department, fire department and EMTs," Pastor Kenneth Loehrke said. "That way if we had a situation where an EMT would take over, they could unplug the pads and use their own machine. Brooks Ambulance and the Waupun Police Department helped us search for the right unit."

Several congregants are trained to use the AED through their work. The church sent another six congregants to training through the Waupun PD.

"My concern was looking at if we were a good place for one," Loehrke said. "We looked at how many people are on the premises during the week and how many on Sundays. During the week there's about 700 people with the preschool and volunteers."

The box is located near the secretary's office so it will be accessible to the preschool, gymnasium and church.

"As a pastor I felt that if something happens I'm a spiritual advisor over the person giving CPR," Loehrke said. "They're equally important. Having the unit at hand gives me more confidence we have the proper procedure in place to allow me to also be a spiritual help in crisis."

Loehrke has had several instances where people have fallen down in the church and needed CPR. While working in Kohler he had a man shake his hand and then tumble over.

"It happens so fast," Loehrke said. "We definitely have a need in our church with the age of many members and heart attacks increasing among women. We should do good to all people, especially those in the house of God. We have a responsibility to have one here."

Pella Lutheran Church will receive a grant from Agnesian Healthcare Foundation to cover the cost of the AED. The church will then use the funds they paid for the AED to cover replacement pads and batteries that expire every couple of years.

Loehrke said that Bob Pater was the one who stressed the importance of an AED to the congregation and took the initiative to secure one for the church. It took about a year to discuss the idea with the church council, secure the machine, train people in the congregation and apply for the grant.

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