JACKSON, Wyo. — The Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation Department along with other local organizations are continuing to shuffle resources toward the Snake River recreation community.
The most recent additions are two automated external defibrillators (AEDs) located at the Wilson and South Park boat ramps. According to a press release posted to Facebook on Monday by Parks & Rec, the Snake River Fund (SRF) purchased and installed the AEDs on May 1. The project was funded by the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole and WorldCast Anglers through proceeds from the Jackson Hole Fly Fishing Film Tour.
“River safety is community work,” SRF Executive Director Orion Hatch said via press release. “These AEDs are a practical investment in emergency preparedness at two of our community’s busiest public access points. This project reflects what is possible when local partners come together around a shared commitment to keeping river users safe.”
AEDs are portable medical devices that can help in responding to sudden cardiac arrest by delivering an electric shock. The devices have bright protective housing and are attached to information kiosks at the boat ramps. Though AEDs are designed for easy use by the public, SRF is encouraging river users, guides, outfitters, volunteers and community members to consider CPR, first aid and wilderness medicine training. According to the statement, building confidence and skills across the river community ensures that more people are prepared to respond when an emergency occurs near the water.
There are already AEDs strategically positioned on Bridger-Teton National Forest land in places where an incident could occur on the river, such as near white water rapids — and outfitters are familiar with the AED locations. SRF’s Associate Director Joe Smith told Buckrail that the Wilson and South Park boat ramps are significant due to their proximity to town and high volumes of users, including those on commercial rafting trips, private river users and people recreating on the Snake River levee.
SRF Development Director Jennifer Houston-Hovland shared an important perspective about river users in the area: “The vast majority of anglers going out on the water are men over 50 years old, which is the same demographic as the people most likely to have a heart attack.”
In March, Parks & Rec created a new employee position dedicated to Snake River use and management. This person will be in charge of hiring and supervising seasonal river staff, budget oversight, and administration of the reservation system and permits.
