The historic Egyptian Theatre in Downtown DeKalb recently received a community needs grant from the DeKalb County Community Foundation in the amount of $4,200 for safety upgrades.
The grant was used to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED), a bullhorn, two cabinet first aid kits, and an additional eight business radios and headsets.
An AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia’s in a patient and is able to treat them through defibrillation. With simple audio and visual commands, AED’s are designed to be simple to use for the layperson. The theatre purchased a Zoll AED which is a top of the line piece of equipment, designed to assist in saving the life of a person suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
“We are extremely grateful of the continued support from the community foundation and specifically this grant that allowed us to purchase an AED for the Theatre,” said Executive Director Alex Nerad.
“We hope we never have to use the AED, but it is comforting knowing that we now have one on site in case it is ever needed,” Nerad said.
The Egyptian Theatre is the largest auditorium in DeKalb County seating up to 1,400 people. A bullhorn was purchased to be able to communicate to large crowds in the case of an emergency or power outage. Two large cabinet first-aid kits were also purchased. One will be used for front-of-house in the lobby for patrons and one will be used backstage for performers and crew.
Additional business radios and headsets were purchased to expand the number of staff and volunteers that can communicate easily during events. “We had ten radios that we had purchased years ago but we desperately needed additional radios to help cover all of our staff and volunteers,” stated House Manager Brandon Pugh.
The Theatre now has a total of eighteen radios and headsets that allow management, volunteers, security, front-of-house staff, and production staff to be in easy communication throughout events.
“The safety and comfort of our patrons is our top priority and we are thrilled that this grant allows us to expand those efforts,” said Pugh.
The Egyptian Theatre is owned and operated by Preservation of Egyptian Theatre, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The theatre hosts over 150 events a year, partners with over 25 community organizations annually, and welcomes 30,000+ people through the doors each year. For more information visit www.egyptiantheatre.org.
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