Saranac Lake Elks Lodge #1508 members present a new AED to the Saranac Lake Youth Baseball Association. From left are Joe Fisher, Jeff Letson, SLYBSA President Chris Knight, Terry Tubridy, Tammy Pelletieri, Allie Pelletieri and Bery Szwed. (Provided photo)

SARANAC LAKE — The Saranac Lake Elks Lodge #1508 recently purchased an automated external defibrillator (AED) for the Saranac Lake Youth Baseball and Softball Association.

The SLYBSA plans to locate this AED at Elks Field, off of John Munn Road, where it will be available during the youth baseball and softball season in the event of a medical emergency.

An AED can help those suffering sudden cardiac arrest; it’s an 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.

Last year, a law went into effect in New York requiring children’s camps and youth sports programs to provide an AED, develop an AED implementation plan, and provide at least one staff member with the appropriate training in how to use an AED.

“The Elks are proud to continue sponsorship of our community’s summer youth activities and to enable SLYBSA to meet state regulations aimed at protecting the health of our young athletes, coaching staff, and spectators,” said Terry Tubridy, the lodge’s Leading Knight.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Elks Club for providing this critical piece of safety equipment for our program,” said Chris Knight, SLYBSA President. “While we hope we never have to use an AED, having one available and knowing how to use it can save lives.”

SLYBSA is currently in the process of acquiring a second AED for use at Rotary Field, next to the Saranac Lake Civic Center, prior to the start of the 2025 season. The organization had identified the purchase of AEDs as a priority in its recently completed Grand Slam fundraising campaign.