(Photo provided by WVU Medicine) Camden Clark WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center officials presented AED devices to representatives of the Progress Ridge Community Building and Waverly Activity Center on Wednesday.

PARKERSBURG — WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center donated automatic external defibrillators to two community organizations Wednesday.

Representatives from the Progress Ridge Community Building and Waverly Activity Center received the AEDs Wednesday morning at the hospital’s North Tower.

An AED defibrillator is a medical device used to analyze heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock, if necessary, to help restore a normal heartbeat during a cardiac event, according to a release from the hospital. Early use of an AED, combined with CPR, can significantly increase patient survival rates while awaiting emergency care, the release said.

In addition to the defibrillator donations, Camden Clark emergency response personnel will provide training to each organization to ensure proper equipment usage.

“Having essential life-saving equipment on hand is critical during a medical emergency. However, this equipment can be cost-prohibitive for many of our local nonprofits and community organizations,” said Shawn Marshall, WVU Medicine Camden Clark manager of EMS Services. “We’re thrilled for the opportunity to donate the equipment and provide training to help ensure these organizations are prepared in the event of an emergency, which further strengthens our commitment to supporting public safety. The donation of this equipment is a testament to Camden Clark’s dedication to giving back and serving our community beyond the walls of our hospital and clinics.”

The Philips HeartStart OnSite AED Defibrillators are each valued at $1,705, the release said.