Tim Russert's death

My heart is breaking. That such a talented—and kind—news legend could go so quickly, and two days before Father's Day. He is one of the reasons for my daughter waking up and getting involved in the political process (delegate to the Democratic county convention and Obama campaign volunteer).

This is incredibly important. A couple of years ago, when I was still doing grant consulting, we started getting funding for defibrillators in a school district that was one of my major clients. And recently our church got one and trained people to use it.

Thanks for bringing up this critical topic, Joe.

As you know Joe, I am hoping to purchase a defibrillator for my sons' soccer team. As a parent who watches her kids and others exercise strenuously several hours a week, as well as take blows to the chest, I don't intend to be unprepared in case of a life threatening emergency.

Thank you Joe for raising awareness about these life saving measures.

The Magnolia Rotary purchased several defibrillators for the businesses in the Village. I think it was a great idea. We should try to get more of the organizations we're in to purchase these for public use. Art T.

Okay Joe, I pledge $300 from each home sale to be put into a special account until I can purchase a defibrillator and get it to a local business of your choice in my community. You have my word on this. Caroline

Caroline. What an amazingly generous act. I am saving money to purchase a defibrillator for my kids soccer team and cannot think of a better investment.

Tremendous Caroline. Just tremendous.

From what I heard from the doctors, Tim Russert suffered a massive heart attack and even with a shock, there would be no chance for his revival. Defibrillators are a great help, but it is not 100%.

I have watched him for years and subscribed to the podcast. There are only less than a handful of media journalists I trust. Tim Russert was deffinitely one of them.

I agree completely with your point and the stats. From what the medical docs said, Russert was medically beyond any help.

Just a gentle reminder to all the folks getting enthused about defibrillators.

I understand and appreciate your desire to be able to assist those experiencing medical emergencies. However, the defibrillator is not sufficient for handling the emergency all by itself. CPR and the defibrillator are both used in these situations. CPR can still help in situations where the defib unit doesn't help at all.

General first aid skills prepare you to deal with even more likely and more common emergencies.

What is your status regarding first aid and CPR/Defib training? Are you current? Have you ever been trained? Please apply some of your enthusiasm to the broader issue of emergency preparedness.

I speak from substantial experience. While I am no longer currently certified, I've had over 30 years of experience teaching emergency medical skills, including defib when they came on the scene. I also have over 30 years of emergency response field experience above the wilderness EMT level.

Nice job, Joe.

I wholeheartly agree (pun intended)

George Carlin just passed away from heart failure. He actually went to the hospital complaining of chest pains. With all the resources of this hospital, apparently the damages to the heart muscle was too extensive. When you compare this with Russert's sudden massive heart attack, this explains that sometimes there is nothing that can be done.

I take an asprin a day and will continue every day for the rest of my life. That and really asking the right questions every time I go for my annual check up.

I was happy to point him in the right direction. His son, Grant, almost died in his home last year. While Grant's mother saved his life with CPR and a call to 911, an AED would have been a very helpful tool to bring him back.

Here is the article in the Everett Herald

Even 18 year old kids and younger can be in need of such a device.