Catholic Medical Center (CMC), a member of GraniteOne Health, has donated five automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) to Millennium Running to ensure runner safety along the course of every Millennium Running Signature Event. The donation was made possible through funds from the New England Heart & Vascular Institute Foundation, which contributes life-saving equipment to organizations in Greater Manchester. “The chance of surviving a cardiac arrest outside the hospital setting is very slim,” says New England Heart & Vascular Institute Cardiologist Dr. Robert Capodilupo. “Easy access to an AED and on-scene CPR are critical components to the chain of survival. It makes the difference between a great story and a terrible tragedy.” Dr. Capodilupo was on scene when a runner suffered – and survived – a cardiac arrest during a Millennium Running Signature Event. That runner, Ray Billings, and his wife, Kristine were on hand for the donation as were Luis Figueroa and his wife, Carol Figueroa. Luis also survived a cardiac arrest during a race. Both are still running today thanks to the immediate, life-saving care they received from other runners. “We are fortunate and thankful that the leadership and healthcare professionals at CMC understand the importance of the chain of survival," says Millennium Running Owner and Founder John Mortimer. "While we hope that we don't have to use them at an event, we thankful that they will be available if we have to help save a life." Watch the WMUR story about this AED donation.