CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) is building a new shelter for domestic violence survivors, and the residents will be even safer thanks to Sunstar Paramedics.

On June 24, Sunstar’s chief administrative officer John Peterson and director of communications Brian Eells presented Tuesdi Dyer, CASA’s development director, with a check to buy an automated external defibrillator (AED) for the shelter. The AED uses electrical currents to correct heart arrhythmias, and offers the best chance for survival in the minutes following heart attack or cardiac arrest until an emergency responder arrives. Sunstar employees will also provide free training for CASA staff to learn how to use the AED.

Sunstar has supported CASA through several different initiatives, including sponsoring fundraising events and donating funds to support CASA’s work. Sunstar and CASA also partnered on a training video for Sunstar employees about how to recognize domestic violence situations in 9-1-1 response and how to safely offer support services to a domestic violence survivor.