#Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

[drbharadwaz]

How to Reactivate Heartbeat and Breath ? | Dr. Bharadwaz | Dr. RanjithKumar

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About Video :

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique used in emergencies when someone's heartbeat or breathing has stopped. It involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain circulation and oxygen flow to vital organs until professional help arrives. Key steps include checking responsiveness, calling emergency services, performing chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute and a depth of 2 inches for adults, and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available. Immediate CPR can double or triple survival chances.

Questions Addressed :

What are the key steps in performing CPR on an adult?

How does the technique for CPR differ between adults, children, and infants?

When should you perform hands-only CPR instead of traditional CPR with rescue breaths?

How do you check for responsiveness and breathing before starting CPR?

What is the recommended compression depth and rate for effective chest compressions?

How do you use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) during CPR?

What are the potential risks or complications associated with performing CPR?

About Dr. Bharadwaz :

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Guest Dr. RanjithKumar

Qualification : MBBS, MRCEM

Expertise : Emergency Specialist

#CPR #FirstAid #SaveLives #EmergencyResponse #HeartHealth #LearnCPR #BystanderCPR #CPRAwareness #CPRTraining #CardiacArrest #AED #ChestCompressions #LifeSavingSkills #RescueBreaths #EmergencyPreparedness

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[digitalasia]

We are AED defibrillator supplier

What is an AED ?

If you're wondering what an AED is – and why they seem to be located in most offices and public buildings, you're not alone. In fact, because these devices are now commonly available, more people than ever before are curious about them. So – just what is an AED? An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It's a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm

[therichweb]

When sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) strikes, every second counts. 

A person’s chance of survival decreases by 7-10% for every minute that passes without treatment. 

However, with the availability of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), a layperson can potentially save a life. 

Despite their proven benefits, these life-saving devices are still underutilized in many public and private spaces.

This article dives into what an Automated External Defibrillator is, how it works, and why it is vital for businesses, healthcare institutions, and other organizations to have them readily available.

[mrb-08]

Automated External Defibrillators Market: Challenges Hindering Effective Deployment

While the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) market is growing rapidly, several challenges hinder its full potential and widespread adoption. These obstacles stem from factors such as awareness, accessibility, training, and regulatory compliance, which collectively affect the effectiveness of AEDs in saving lives.

One of the primary challenges is the lack of awareness and understanding about AEDs among the general public. Despite increased efforts to promote their importance, many individuals remain unfamiliar with how to use these devices effectively. This knowledge gap can result in hesitation or failure to act during critical situations, which diminishes the potential lifesaving impact of AEDs. Enhancing public education and outreach programs is essential to address this issue.

Accessibility also poses a significant challenge. While more organizations are acquiring AEDs, many communities still lack sufficient access to these devices, particularly in rural or underserved areas. The placement of AEDs in public spaces is crucial for ensuring rapid response during emergencies, but logistical hurdles and funding constraints can limit their availability. Collaborative efforts between governments, non-profits, and private organizations are needed to improve accessibility and create a robust network of AEDs.

Training and certification in the use of AEDs are equally important. Although many institutions are investing in training programs, the frequency and quality of these initiatives can vary widely. A lack of consistent training can leave individuals unprepared to respond effectively during emergencies. Continuous education and regular refresher courses can help address this issue, fostering greater confidence among potential users.

Additionally, regulatory challenges can impact the AED market. Variations in regulations and standards across different regions can create confusion for manufacturers and consumers alike. Streamlining these regulations and establishing clear guidelines for the deployment and maintenance of AEDs could facilitate broader adoption and compliance.

In summary, while the Automated External Defibrillators market shows great promise, it faces several challenges that need to be addressed. By focusing on increasing awareness, improving accessibility, enhancing training, and streamlining regulations, stakeholders can work together to maximize the impact of AEDs in emergency situations, ultimately saving more lives.

For a sample report click on:

[healthandsafety79]

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) play a vital role in enhancing workplace safety across Canada. At First Aid Supply Stores, we are dedicated to fostering safer, healthier, and more informed work environments. One key aspect of this commitment is the incorporation of AEDs into Canadian workplaces. AEDs are not just medical devices; they are critical lifesaving tools that can significantly impact outcomes during a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), potentially making the difference between life and death.

Understanding Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest is a sudden, life-threatening condition where the heart stops beating effectively. It can strike anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, at any time. The key to survival is immediate action, and this is where AEDs come into play.

The Role of AEDs in Emergency Response

An AED is a portable device designed to deliver an electric shock to a heart in cardiac arrest, potentially restoring a normal rhythm. AEDs are user-friendly, equipped with clear voice instructions and prompts to guide users through the process, making them accessible to everyone.

Why AEDs are Essential in Workplaces

Time is Critical: In SCA situations, every minute matters. For each minute that defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival decreases by about 10%. Having an AED on-site can significantly cut down response times.

Empowering Employees: Training employees in AED use as part of a comprehensive first aid program boosts their confidence and efficiency in emergencies. For more details on our training programs, please contact our training department.

Legal Compliance and Corporate Responsibility: Many Canadian provinces now mandate or encourage AED installation in public places, including workplaces. Beyond meeting legal requirements, having an AED shows a strong commitment to employee health and safety.

Creating a Safer Environment: An AED not only enhances safety but also provides reassurance for everyone in the workplace, including visitors.

Implementation and Training

Implementing AEDs goes beyond just purchasing the device. F.A.S.T. Rescue offers comprehensive solutions, including:

Selection of Suitable AEDs: We help you choose the right AEDs for your workplace environment.

Training and Certification: Our practical and online training courses ensure employees are well-prepared to use AEDs confidently. Contact our training department for more information.

Maintenance and Support: Regular maintenance and support are essential to keep AEDs ready for use.

Conclusion

Incorporating AEDs into Canadian workplaces is a vital step in improving emergency preparedness and response. It represents an investment in life and demonstrates a deep commitment to employee welfare. At F.A.S.T. Rescue, we are dedicated to assisting businesses in integrating this lifesaving tool into their health and safety programs.

Let's collaborate to create safer workplaces across Canada. For more information about AEDs and our comprehensive training programs, please visit our website or contact us directly.

[safetycourses2022]

[ehs-consultants]

HABC Level 3 Award In Emergency First Aid At Work

HABC Level 3 Award in Emergency first Aid at Work is a one-day course that offers the basics of first aid treatment in an emergency, such as incident or accident in the workplace, or the sudden illness of a colleague or customer. Emergency first aid at workplace courses offer a convenient, complete, and ongoing solution to meeting regional workplace compliance standards in CPR, AED and encompass adult, child, and infant CPR and first aid skills, and incorporate Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training.

HABC Level 3 Award in Emergency first Aid at Work is approved by Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai municipality, Trakhees, Dubai Aviation city corporation.

[defibrillatorsonline]

AEDs and the Law in Australia

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are life-saving devices that can be used to treat sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs are easy to use and can be operated by anyone with basic training. In fact, studies have shown that even untrained bystanders can use AEDs effectively.

The use of AEDs is protected by Good Samaritan laws in Australia. Good Samaritan laws provide legal immunity to people who help others in an emergency, even if they make mistakes. This means that you cannot be sued for using an AED incorrectly, as long as you were acting in good faith and did not intentionally harm the victim.

What are the legal implications of using an AED in Australia?

The legal implications of using an AED vary from state to state in Australia. However, in general, you are protected by Good Samaritan laws if you use an AED in good faith and do not intentionally harm the victim. This means that you cannot be sued for using an AED incorrectly, as long as you were not acting recklessly or negligently.

However, there are some exceptions to Good Samaritan laws in Australia. For example, if you are a healthcare professional and you use an AED incorrectly, you may be liable for any injuries that result. Additionally, if you use an AED in a reckless or negligent manner, you may also be liable.

What are Good Samaritan laws in Australia?

Good Samaritan laws are laws that protect people who help others in an emergency. These laws vary from state to state in Australia, but they generally provide legal immunity to people who help others in good faith, even if they make mistakes.

Good Samaritan laws are important because they encourage people to help others in an emergency. Without these laws, people might be afraid to help for fear of being sued.

What should I do if I use an AED incorrectly in Australia?

If you use an AED incorrectly in Australia, you should immediately seek legal advice. An attorney can help you determine whether you are protected by Good Samaritan laws and, if not, what your legal options are.

It is also important to document the incident. This includes writing down what happened, who was present, and what was said. This documentation can be helpful if you are later sued.

How can I learn more about the legal implications of using an AED in Australia?

There are a number of resources available to help you learn more about the legal implications of using an AED in Australia. These resources include:

Your state's Good Samaritan laws The Australian Resuscitation Council The National Heart Foundation of Australia The St. John Ambulance Australia Conclusion

AEDs are life-saving devices that can be used by anyone with basic training. The use of AEDs is protected by Good Samaritan laws in Australia. However, there are some exceptions to Good Samaritan laws. If you are not sure whether you are protected by Good Samaritan laws, you should consult with an attorney.

It is important to be aware of the legal implications of using an AED before you use one. If you are ever in a situation where you need to use an AED, you should do your best to help the victim and document the incident. This will help protect you in the event of a lawsuit.

Specific laws in Australian states and territories

In addition to the general Good Samaritan laws, there are also specific laws in some Australian states and territories that protect people who use AEDs. For example:

In New South Wales, the Civil Liability Act 2002 provides immunity from civil liability for people who use AEDs in good faith. In Victoria, the Civil Liability Act 2002 provides immunity from civil liability for people who use AEDs in accordance with the instructions provided with the device. In Queensland, the Personal Injuries (Liabilities and Damages) Act 2003 provides immunity from civil liability for people who use AEDs in good faith and in accordance with the instructions provided with the device. It is important to check the specific laws in your state or territory to ensure that you are protected if you use an AED.

Conclusion

AEDs are life-saving devices that can be used by anyone with basic training. The use of AEDs is protected by Good Samaritan laws in Australia. However, there are some exceptions to Good Samaritan laws. If you are not sure whether you are protected by Good Samaritan laws, you should consult with an attorney.

It is important to be aware of the legal implications of using an AED before you use one. If you are

[odinsblog]

Patrick Braxton became the first Black mayor of Newbern, Alabama, when he was elected in 2020, but since then he has fought with the previous administration to actually serve in office. (Aallyah Wright/Capital B)

NEWBERN, Ala. — There’s a power struggle in Newbern, Alabama, and the rural town’s first Black mayor is at war with the previous administration who he says locked him out of Town Hall.

After years of racist harassment and intimidation, Patrick Braxton is fed up, and in a federal civil rights lawsuit he is accusing town officials of conspiring to deny his civil rights and his position because of his race.

“When I first became mayor, [a white woman told me] the town was not ready for a Black mayor,” Braxton recalls.

The town is 85% Black, and 29% of Black people here live below the poverty line.

“What did she mean by the town wasn’t ready for a Black mayor? They, meaning white people?” Capital B asked.

“Yes. No change,” Braxton says.

Decades removed from a seemingly Jim Crow South, white people continue to thwart Black political progress by refusing to allow them to govern themselves or participate in the country’s democracy, several residents told Capital B. While litigation may take months or years to resolve, Braxton and community members are working to organize voter education, registration, and transportation ahead of the 2024 general election.

But the tension has been brewing for years.

Two years ago, Braxton says he was the only volunteer firefighter in his department to respond to a tree fire near a Black person’s home in the town of 275 people. As Braxton, 57, actively worked to put out the fire, he says, one of his white colleagues tried to take the keys to his fire truck to keep him from using it.

In another incident, Braxton, who was off duty at the time, overheard an emergency dispatch call for a Black woman experiencing a heart attack. He drove to the fire station to retrieve the automated external defibrillator, or AED machine, but the locks were changed, so he couldn’t get into the facility. He raced back to his house, grabbed his personal machine, and drove over to the house, but he didn’t make it in time to save her. Braxton wasn’t able to gain access to the building or equipment until the Hale County Emergency Management Agency director intervened, the lawsuit said.

“I have been on several house fires by myself,” Braxton says. “They hear the radio and wouldn’t come. I know they hear it because I called dispatch, and dispatch set the tone call three or four times for Newbern because we got a certain tone.”

This has become the new norm for Braxton ever since he became the first Black mayor of his hometown in 2020. For the past three years, he’s been fighting to serve and hold on to the title of mayor, first reported by Lee Hedgepeth, a freelance journalist based in Alabama.

Incorporated in 1854, Newbern, Alabama, today has a population of 275 people — 85% of whom are Black. (Aallyah Wright/Capital B)

Not only has he been locked out of the town hall and fought fires alone, but he’s been followed by a drone and unable to retrieve the town’s mail and financial accounts, he says. Rather than concede, Haywood “Woody” Stokes III, the former white mayor, along with his council members, reappointed themselves to their positions after ordering a special election that no one knew about.

Braxton is suing them, the People’s Bank of Greensboro, and the postmaster at the U.S. Post Office.

For at least 60 years, there’s never been an election in the town. Instead, the mantle has been treated as a “hand me down” by the small percentage of white residents, according to several residents Capital B interviewed. After being the only one to submit qualifying paperwork and statement of economic interests, Braxton became the mayor.

(continue reading)

[yayoineko]

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Quick, unplug the monitor! C= C= C= C= C=┌(;・ω・)┘ Get the emergency *AED ready! ヽ(￣д￣;)ノ=3=3=3 In case he passes out and falls off, places mattresses around his aerial lift~! *plop* [二二] ノ( º _ ºノ)

(*AED =automated external defibrillator)

[reasoningdaily]

NEWBERN, Ala. — There’s a power struggle in Newbern, Alabama, and the rural town’s first Black mayor is at war with the previous administration who he says locked him out of Town Hall.

After years of racist harassment and intimidation, Patrick Braxton is fed up, and in a federal civil rights lawsuit he is accusing town officials of conspiring to deny his civil rights and his position because of his race.

“When I first became mayor, [a white woman told me] the town was not ready for a Black mayor,” Braxton recalls.

The town is 85% Black, and 29% of Black people here live below the poverty line. 

“What did she mean by the town wasn’t ready for a Black mayor? They, meaning white people?” Capital B asked.

“Yes. No change,” Braxton says.

Decades removed from a seemingly Jim Crow South, white people continue to thwart Black political progress by refusing to allow them to govern themselves or participate in the country’s democracy, several residents told Capital B. While litigation may take months or years to resolve, Braxton and community members are working to organize voter education, registration, and transportation ahead of the 2024 general election.

But the tension has been brewing for years. 

Two years ago, Braxton says he was the only volunteer firefighter in his department to respond to a tree fire near a Black person’s home in the town of 275 people. As Braxton, 57, actively worked to put out the fire, he says, one of his white colleagues tried to take the keys to his fire truck to keep him from using it.

In another incident, Braxton, who was off duty at the time, overheard an emergency dispatch call for a Black woman experiencing a heart attack. He drove to the fire station to retrieve the automated external defibrillator, or AED machine, but the locks were changed, so he couldn’t get into the facility. He raced back to his house, grabbed his personal machine, and drove over to the house, but he didn’t make it in time to save her. Braxton wasn’t able to gain access to the building or equipment until the Hale County Emergency Management Agency director intervened, the lawsuit said. 

“I have been on several house fires by myself,” Braxton says. “They hear the radio and wouldn’t come. I know they hear it because I called dispatch, and dispatch set the tone call three or four times for Newbern because we got a certain tone.”

Not only has he been locked out of the town hall and fought fires alone, but he’s been followed by a drone and unable to retrieve the town’s mail and financial accounts, he says. Rather than concede, Haywood “Woody” Stokes III, the former white mayor, along with his council members, reappointed themselves to their positions after ordering a special election that no one knew about. 

Braxton is suing them, the People’s Bank of Greensboro, and the postmaster at the U.S. Post Office. 

For at least 60 years, there’s never been an election in the town. Instead, the mantle has been treated as a “hand me down” by the small percentage of white residents, according to several residents Capital B interviewed. After being the only one to submit qualifying paperwork and statement of economic interests, Braxton became the mayor.

Stokes and his council — which consists of three white people (Gary Broussard, Jesse Leverett, Willie Tucker) and one Black person (Voncille Brown Thomas) — deny any wrongdoing in their response to the amended complaint filed on April 17. They also claim qualified immunity, which protects state and local officials from individual liability from civil lawsuits.

The attorneys for all parties, including the previous town council, the bank, and Lynn Thiebe, the postmaster at the post office, did not respond to requests for comment.

The town where voting never was

Over the past 50 years, Newbern has held a majority Black population. The town was incorporated in 1854 and became known as a farm town. The Great Depression and the mechanization of the cotton industry contributed to Newbern’s economic and population decline, according to the Encyclopedia of Alabama.

Today, across Newbern’s 1.2 square miles sits the town hall and volunteer fire department constructed by Auburn’s students, an aging library, U.S. Post Office, and Mercantile, the only store there, which Black people seldom frequent because of high prices and a lack of variety of products, Braxton says.

“They want to know why Black [people] don’t shop with them. You don’t have nothin’ the Black [people] want or need,” he says. “No gasoline. … They used to sell country-time bacon and cheese and souse meat. They stopped selling that because they say they didn’t like how it feel on their hands when they cuttin’ the meat.”

To help unify the town, Braxton began hosting annual Halloween parties for the children, and game day for the senior citizens. But his efforts haven’t been enough to stop some people from moving for better jobs, industry, and quality of life. 

Residents say the white town leaders have done little to help the predominantly Black area thrive over the years. They question how the town has spent its finances, as Black residents continue to struggle. Under the American Rescue Plan Act, Newbern received $30,000, according to an estimated funding sheet by Alabama Democratic U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, but residents say they can’t see where it has gone. 

At the First Baptist Church of Newbern, Braxton, three of his selected council members — Janice Quarles, 72, Barbara Patrick, 78, and James Ballard, 76 — and the Rev. James Williams, 77, could only remember two former mayors: Robert Walthall, who served as mayor for 44 years, and Paul Owens, who served on the council for 33 years and mayor for 11.

“At one point, we didn’t even know who the mayor was,” Ballard recalls.  “If you knew somebody and you was white, and your grandfather was in office when he died or got sick, he passed it on down to the grandson or son, and it’s been that way throughout the history of Newbern.”

Quarles agreed, adding: “It took me a while to know that Mr. Owens was the mayor. I just thought he was just a little man cleaning up on the side of the road, sometimes picking up paper. I didn’t know until I was told that ‘Well, he’s the mayor now.’” 

Braxton mentioned he heard of a Black man named Mr. Hicks who previously sought office years ago.

“This was before my time, but I heard Mr. Hicks had won the mayor seat and they took it from him the next day [or] the next night,” Braxton said. “It was another Black guy, had won years ago, and they took it from.”

“I hadn’t heard that one,” Ballard chimes in, sitting a few seats away from Braxton.

“How does someone take the seat from him, if he won?” Capital B asked.

“The same way they’re trying to do now with Mayor Braxton,” Quarles chuckled. “Maybe at that time — I know if it was Mr. Hicks — he really had nobody else to stand up with him.”

Despite the rumor, what they did know for sure: There was never an election, and Stokes had been in office since 2008.

The costs to challenging the white power structure

After years of disinvestment, Braxton’s frustrations mounted at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when he says Stokes refused to commemorate state holidays or hang up American flags. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the majority-white council failed to provide supplies such as disinfectant, masks, and humidifiers to residents to mitigate the risks of contracting the virus.

Instead of waiting, Braxton made several trips to neighboring Greensboro, about 10 miles away, to get food and other items to distribute to Black and white residents. He also placed signs around town about vaccination. He later found his signs had been destroyed and put in “a burn pile,” he said.

After years of unmet needs of the community, Braxton decided to qualify for mayor. Only one Black person — Brown Thomas, who served with Stokes —has ever been named to the council. After Braxton told Stokes, the acting mayor, his intention to run, the conspiracy began, the lawsuit states. 

According to the lawsuit, Stokes gave Braxton the wrong information on how to qualify for mayor. Braxton then consulted with the Alabama Conference of Black Mayors, and the organization told him to file his statement of candidacy and statement of the economic interests with the circuit clerk of Hale County and online with the state, the lawsuit states. Vickie Moore, the organization’s executive director, said it also guided Braxton on how to prepare for his first meeting and other mayoral duties. 

Moore, an Alabama native and former mayor of Slocomb, said she has never heard of other cases across the state where elected officials who have never been elected are able to serve. This case with Braxton is “racism,” she said.

“The true value of a person can’t be judged by the color of their skin, and that’s what’s happening in this case here, and it’s the worst racism I’ve ever seen,” Moore said. “We have fought so hard for simple rights. It’s one of the most discouraging but encouraging things because it encourages us to continue to move forward … and continue to fight.”

Political and legal experts say what’s happening in Newbern is rare, but the tactics to suppress Black power aren’t, especially across the South. From tampering with ballot boxes to restricting reading material, “the South has been resistant to all types of changes” said Emmitt Riley III, associate professor of political science and Africana Studies at The University of the South.

“This is a clear case of white [people] attempting to seize and maintain political power in the face of someone who went through the appropriate steps to qualify and to run for office and by default wins because no one else qualified,” Riley added. “This raises a number of questions about democracy and a free and fair system of governance.”

Riley mentioned a different, but similar case in rural Greenwood, Mississippi. Sheriel Perkins, a longtime City Council member, became the first Black female mayor in 2006, serving for only two years. She ran again in 2013 and lost by 206 votes to incumbent Carolyn McAdams, who is white. Perkins contested the results, alleging voter fraud. White people allegedly paid other white people to live in the city in order to participate in the election and cast a legal vote, Riley said. In that case, the state Supreme Court dismissed the case and “found Perkins presented no evidence” that anyone voted illegally in a precinct, but rather it was the election materials that ended up in the wrong precincts.

“It was also on record that one white woman got on the witness stand and said, ‘I came back to vote because I was contacted to vote by X person.’ I think you see these tactics happening all across the South in local elections, in particular,” Riley said. “It becomes really difficult for people to really litigate these cases because in many cases it goes before the state courts, and state courts have not been really welcoming to overturning elections and ordering new elections.” 

Another example: Camilla, Georgia. 

In 2015, Rufus Davis was elected as the first Black male mayor of rural, predominantly Black Camilla. In 2017, the six-person City Council — half Black and half white — voted to deny him a set of keys to City Hall, which includes his office. Davis claimed the white city manager, Bennett Adams, had been keeping him from carrying out his mayoral duties. 

The next year, Davis, along with Black City Council member Venterra Pollard, boycotted the city’s meetings because of “discrimination within the city government,” he told a local news outlet. Some of the claims included the absence of Black officers in the police department, and the city’s segregated cemetery, where Black people cannot be buried next to white people. (The wire fence that divided the cemetery was taken down in 2018). In 2018, some citizens of the small town of about 5,000 people wanted to remove Davis from office and circulated a petition that garnered about 200 signatures. In 2019, he did not seek re-election for office.

“You’re not the mayor” 

After being the only person to qualify and submit proper paperwork for any municipal office, Braxton became mayor-elect and the first Black mayor in Newbern’s history on July 22, 2020.

Following the announcement, Braxton appointed members to join his council, consistent with the practice of previous leadership. He asked both white and Black people to serve, he said, but the white people told him they didn’t want to get involved.

The next month, Stokes and the former council members, Broussard, Leverett, Brown Thomas, and Tucker, called a secret meeting to adopt an ordinance to conduct a special election on Oct. 6 because they “allegedly forgot to qualify as candidates,” according to the lawsuit, which also alleges the meeting was not publicized. The defendants deny this claim, but admit to filing statements of candidacy to be elected at the special election, according to their response to an amended complaint filed on their behalf.

Because Stokes and his council were the only ones to qualify for the Oct. 6 election, they reappointed themselves as the town council. On Nov. 2, 2020, Braxton and his council members were sworn into office and filed an oath of office with the county probate judge’s office. Ten days later, the city attorney’s office executed an oath of office for Stokes and his council. 

After Braxton held his first town meeting in November, Stokes changed the locks to Town Hall to keep him and his council from accessing the building. For months, the two went back and forth on changing the locks until Braxton could no longer gain access. At some point, Braxton says he discovered all official town records had been removed or destroyed, except for a few boxes containing meeting minutes and other documents.

Braxton also was prevented from accessing the town’s financial records with the People’s Bank of Greensboro and the city clerk, and obtaining mail from the town’s post office. At every turn, he was met with a familiar answer: “You’re not the mayor.” Separately, he’s had drones following him to his home and mother’s home and had a white guy almost run him off the road, he says. 

Braxton asserts he’s experienced these levels of harassment and intimidation to keep him from being the mayor, he said. 

“Not having the Lord on your side, you woulda’ gave up,” he told Capital B.

‘Ready to fire away’ 

In the midst of the obstacles, Braxton kept pushing. He partnered with LaQuenna Lewis, founder of Love Is What Love Does, a Selma-based nonprofit focused on enriching the lives of disadvantaged people in Dallas, Perry, and Hale counties through such means as food distribution, youth programming, and help with utility bills. While meeting with Braxton, Lewis learned more about his case and became an investigator with her friend Leslie Sebastian, a former advocacy attorney based in California. 

The three began reviewing thousands of documents from the few boxes Braxton found in Town Hall, reaching out to several lawyers and state lawmakers such as Sen. Bobby Singleton and organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center. No one wanted to help.

When the white residents learned Lewis was helping Braxton, she, too, began receiving threats early last year. She received handwritten notes in the mail with swastikas and derogatory names such as the n-word and b-word. One of theletters had a drawing of her and Braxton being lynched. 

Another letter said they had been watching her at the food distribution site and hoped she and Braxton died. They also made reference to her children, she said. Lewis provided photos of the letters, but Capital B will not publish them. In October, Lewis and her children found their house burned to the ground. The cause was undetermined, but she thinks it may have been connected.

Lewis, Sebastian, and Braxton continued to look for attorneys that would take the case. Braxton filed a complaint in Alabama’s circuit court last November, but his attorney at the time stopped answering his calls. In January, they found a new attorney, Richard Rouco, who filed an amended complaint in federal court.

��He went through a total of five attorneys prior to me meeting them last year, and they pretty much took his money. We ran into some big law firms who were supposed to help and they kind of misled him,” Lewis says. 

Right now, the lawsuit is in the early stages, Rouco says, and the two central issues of the case center on whether the previous council with Stokes were elected as they claim and if they gave proper notice.

Braxton and his team say they are committed to still doing the work in light of the lawsuit. Despite the obstacles, Braxton is running for mayor again in 2025. Through AlabamaLove.org, the group is raising money to provide voter education and registration, and address food security and youth programming. Additionally, they all hope they can finally bring their vision of a new Newbern to life.

For Braxton, it’s bringing grocery and convenience stores to the town. Quarles wants an educational and recreational center for children. Williams, the First Baptist Church minister, wants to build partnerships to secure grants in hopes of getting internet and more stores.

“I believe we done put a spark to the rocket, and it’s going [to get ready] to fire away,” Williams says at his church. “This rocket ready to fire away, and it’s been hovering too long.”

Correction: In Newbern, Alabama, 29% of the Black population lives below the poverty line. An earlier version of this story misstated the percentage

[sol-the-otter]

Training Day with Kix

Kix dreaded this day.  He knew it was coming and he dreaded it.  It was CPR  and field medicine training day with Torrent Squad and he had to somehow get them to settle down for a several hour long class. He already had a headache and it hadn’t even begun.

It went exactly as he thought it might. 

He brought out the training dummies and immediately saw a Look pass between Hardcase and Fives. 

some highlights of the day: 

- Echo trying to hard to listen and take notes, but with Hardcase dancing with the manikin in the background is making it very difficult. Kix's headache grows even stronger. But he's glad at least a few of the boys are trying. 

- Jesse is giving Fives feedback on his mouth to mouth technique and it turns into them showing off their kissing skills and trading techniques. Kix makes a note to make *them* disinfect the manakins after. 

- when he begins showing them how to use the AED (Automated External Defibrillator), Fives puts the pads on his own body and presses the button, fortunately the voltage is turned all the way down (as it should be) and he only recieves a mild shock. Kix has to pause the lesson so that he can treat Fives. 

- Lessons on how to hold and gently let down a fainting person turn into trust falls. Tup is really great at catching people, Hardcase gets distracted far too easily and misses Jesse, who tumbles to the floor. Kix uses this as an intro to how to deal with a concussion. 

- He shows them how to use a tourniquet and field dressings and Echo ends up tied to his chair. No one knows who did it. He is, however, tied really tightly and really well, with proper wound pressure. Kix hates that he's impressed.

- Dogma and Tup are active listeners and are the first to volunteer when live subjects are needed for carrying drills. Both them and Kix regret this immediately when Hardcase picks them up and runs out the door. 

- When explaining the proper way to give injections, Hardcase and Fives are just a *little* too excited about it, so Echo (who has the steadiest hands) does the demonstration on Dogma.  Kix makes an executive decision.  Dogma is very relieved.

-Rex sits in the background with popcorn. Rex is very happy that the children are not currently his problem. Kix needs a fucking nap.

[trivialbob]

Last night Sheila presented a session on how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator) to a group of pickleball players. The age demographic of this group made it more meaningful than, say, doing it for a pee wee hockey team. I went along because it was held in the private dining room of a pizza restaurant. Mmm, pizza.

Sheila brought her own AED. She also had a training AED and a dummy torso from her job to use for demonstrations. AEDs are everywhere these days, it seems. Getting a little familiarity on how they work is a wise. They're really quite easy to operate too.

About 20 years ago another person and I actually hooked up an early model of one to a possible heart attack victim. The victim wasn't breathing, but his heart condition was such that the AED would not deliver a shock. The device will only shock under certain circumstances. We were told the machine won't shock a person with a normal heartbeat nor a body with no electrical rhythm (total flatline). When our AED didn't detect the correct condition for a shock, all we could do was continue CPR until an ambulance arrived.

When Sheila was done with her presentation we went to a nearby brewery to meet up with some friends and participate in a jigsaw puzzle contest.

There were about ten tables, each with the same puzzle. The first two teams to complete the puzzle won a prize. The first place team finished in about 45 minutes. Second place was about 10 minutes behind that.

I had not worked on a puzzle in ages. It took me a bit to get into the swing of things, matching colors and looking for the edge pieces. Our team of four got about halfway done in about an hour and twenty minutes when we decided to call it a night. Sheila and I got to keep the puzzle. I think I'm going to try completing it at home. I'd definitely do another contest like this, so a little practice isn't a bad idea.

You don't exactly need to bribe me to go out to a brewery. However, I like fun little events like this that the breweries host to attract more customers.