After a member of East Shore Unitarian Church in Bellevue, WA, had a heart attack at a church meeting and subsequently died, the congregation bought two automatic external defibrillators. One is kept outside the sanctuary, the other in the education building. Administrative staff has been trained in their use and in basic CPR. Religious education teachers will also be trained, says Andrew Ziskind, president of the board of trustees.

The units cost $2,000 each and were bought with donations at the church auction where each year, in addition to the goods and services offered, participants are asked to donate toward a specific item which has broad emotional appeal.