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defibrillatorsonline · 2 years ago

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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

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

#automated external defibrillator #aed defibrillator #portable defibrillator

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wellnesstribe · 5 months ago

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Automated External Defibrillators Market Drivers: Technological Advancements and Accessibility in Public Spaces Worldwide

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are life-saving medical devices designed to restore normal heart rhythms in cases of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). With cardiovascular diseases ranking among the leading causes of death worldwide, AEDs have become an essential component in emergency response systems. The growing demand for these devices is fueled by multiple market drivers, including advancements in technology, regulatory initiatives, and increased awareness about cardiac health. This article explores the key factors propelling the global Automated External Defibrillators market.

Rising Incidence of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

One of the primary drivers of the AED market is the alarming increase in sudden cardiac arrest cases worldwide. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), SCA accounts for over 350,000 deaths annually in the United States alone. The situation is similar in other regions, highlighting the need for immediate medical intervention. AEDs are crucial in providing early defibrillation, significantly increasing survival rates when used promptly. This growing prevalence of SCA is driving demand for AEDs in hospitals, public places, and even homes.

Technological Advancements Enhancing AED

EfficiencyAdvancements in AED technology are further propelling market growth. Innovations such as fully automated AEDs, real-time CPR feedback mechanisms, and integration with mobile applications have made these devices more user-friendly and efficient. AI-driven AEDs can analyze heart rhythms with higher accuracy, reducing the risk of inappropriate shocks. Wireless connectivity and cloud-based monitoring systems also allow real-time data sharing with emergency medical services, improving response times and patient outcomes.

Increasing Public Awareness and Training Programs

Public and private organizations are actively conducting awareness campaigns and training programs on AED usage and basic life support (BLS). Programs like the AHA’s "Heartsaver AED Course" and the Red Cross’s "CPR/AED Certification" are educating individuals on how to use AEDs effectively. The rise in bystander intervention training and first-aid courses is driving market demand, as more organizations recognize the importance of equipping personnel with AED skills

Manufacturers and distributors are expanding their reach through e-commerce platforms, retail outlets, and partnerships with healthcare providers. Companies are also engaging in strategic collaborations with medical institutions and emergency service providers to enhance product accessibility and adoption. The proliferation of online sales channels has made AEDs more accessible to both institutions and individuals, further accelerating market growth.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the strong market growth, some challenges remain, such as high costs associated with AED devices and maintenance, lack of awareness in underdeveloped regions, and concerns regarding device misuse. However, continuous innovations, government initiatives, and increasing investments in research and development are expected to overcome these obstacles. The future of the AED market looks promising, with an emphasis on smarter, more connected, and cost-effective solutions.

Conclusion

The Automated External Defibrillators market is witnessing substantial growth due to a combination of factors, including rising cardiac arrest cases, technological advancements, regulatory support, and increasing awareness about emergency preparedness. With governments, healthcare organizations, and private players actively promoting AED adoption, the market is set to expand further. As the demand for accessible, user-friendly, and efficient life-saving devices continues to rise, the AED industry will remain a crucial component in the fight against sudden cardiac arrest.

#Automated External Defibrillators Market

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medikart01 · 6 months ago

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How to Choose the Right Defibrillator or AED for Your Needs

Defibrillators and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are life-saving devices critical in emergency situations involving cardiac arrest. With heart disease being a leading cause of death worldwide, having access to a defibrillator or AED in homes, offices, and public spaces can significantly increase survival rates. This blog will guide you through the process of selecting the right defibrillator or AED, ensuring you make an informed decision for your needs.

Understanding Defibrillators and AEDs

Defibrillators are medical devices designed to deliver an electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm in case of arrhythmia or cardiac arrest. AEDs, a type of defibrillator, are portable and user-friendly devices designed for use by both professionals and non-professionals in emergencies.

Key types of defibrillators include:

Manual Defibrillators: Used in hospitals by trained medical personnel.

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): Designed for quick, easy use in public places.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs): Surgically implanted in patients at high risk of cardiac arrest.

Wearable Defibrillators: External devices worn by individuals with temporary risk factors.

Why You Might Need a Defibrillator or AED

The need for a defibrillator or AED depends on the environment and user requirements. Some key scenarios include:

Public Spaces: Airports, malls, and schools benefit from AEDs to address unexpected cardiac emergencies.

Workplaces: Ensuring employee safety, especially in high-stress or physically demanding jobs.

Homes: Ideal for individuals with known heart conditions or a family history of cardiac issues.

Medical Settings: Hospitals and clinics require advanced defibrillators for professional use.

Features to Consider When Choosing a Defibrillator or AED

Ease of Use AEDs are designed for laypersons, featuring voice prompts, visual aids, and automated functionality. Look for a device that is intuitive and straightforward to operate.

Battery Life and Power Battery life is a critical factor, especially for devices placed in public or remote areas. Opt for AEDs with long-lasting batteries and easy replacement options.

Durability and Portability A robust, lightweight AED is essential for portability and reliability in various environments. Devices used in outdoor settings should be water and dust-resistant.

Maintenance and Cost Consider the cost of replacement parts such as batteries and pads. Regular maintenance ensures the device remains functional in emergencies.

Features for Specific Needs

Pediatric Mode: Useful in schools or for families with children.

CPR Feedback: Some AEDs provide real-time feedback on chest compressions.

Bilingual Options: Helpful in multilingual communities.

Top Recommendations for AEDs and Defibrillators

Medikart offers a range of high-quality defibrillators and AEDs suited for various needs. Some top picks include:

Philips HeartStart AED

Compact and lightweight.

Features voice prompts for step-by-step guidance.

Zoll AED Plus

Real-time CPR feedback.

Highly durable for outdoor use.

Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR2

Advanced connectivity for professional monitoring.

Bilingual interface.

Schiller FRED EasyPort

Pocket-sized AED.

Ideal for personal use and travel.

Mediana HeartOn AED

User-friendly and cost-effective.

Quick analysis and shock delivery.

The Importance of AED Placement

Strategic placement of AEDs can make the difference between life and death. Ensure AEDs are:

Easily accessible in high-traffic areas.

Marked with clear signage.

Stored in temperature-controlled environments.

Training staff or family members on how to use an AED ensures preparedness during emergencies.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Different countries have specific regulations regarding AED use and placement. In India:

Public places are increasingly mandated to have AEDs.

Good Samaritan laws protect individuals assisting in emergencies.

Stay informed about local guidelines to ensure compliance and legal protection.

Benefits of Owning a Defibrillator or AED

Improved Survival Rates: Immediate defibrillation can increase survival rates by 60-80%.

Peace of Mind: Knowing help is readily available in critical moments.

Community Safety: Contributing to a safer environment for everyone.

How to Maintain Your AED

Regular maintenance ensures your AED is functional when needed:

Check Batteries and Pads: Replace as per the manufacturer's instructions.

Conduct Self-Tests: Most AEDs have automatic self-checks.

Update Software: Keep the device updated for optimal performance.

Why Medikart Is Your Go-To Source for Defibrillators and AEDs

At Medikart, we offer a curated selection of defibrillators and AEDs tailored to diverse needs. Our products ensure reliability, affordability, and ease of use. Additionally, we provide comprehensive customer support and training resources to help you maximize your investment.

Conclusion

Choosing the right defibrillator or AED is a critical decision that can save lives. By considering factors such as ease of use, portability, and maintenance, you can select a device that meets your specific requirements. Explore the wide range of defibrillators and AEDs at Medikart and make a life-saving investment today.

#Defibrillators and AEDs #Best AED for home use #AED buying guide India #Automated External Defibrillators #Medikart

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healthandsafety79 · 11 months ago

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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.

#Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)#Automated External Defibrillators #AEDs #Canadian Workplaces #Canada #FAST Rescue #First Aid Training #Health and Safety #Training #First Aid

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diksha234 · 1 year ago

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#Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Market

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courseyoulovemeyoudontknowme · 8 months ago

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Inception (2010, Christopher Nolan)

30/10/2024

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safetycourses2022 · 1 year ago

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ehs-consultants · 2 years ago

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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.

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defibrillatorsonline · 2 years ago

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What the Australian AED Bill 2022 means for your business or venue

On September 7th, 2022, a crucial bill was presented to enforce the mandatory installation and registration of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in certain buildings and facilities, along with other provisions. The bill has been subsequently passed in both houses in early 2023. The bill, which was introduced by SA-BEST upper house MP Frank Pangallo, received support from the state Labor government. According to Mr. Pangallo, the importance of quick access to a defibrillator cannot be overstated, as it can significantly enhance the chances of surviving a heart attack. He emphasised that the efficacy of defibrillation in reviving the heart is crucial, and any delay in the process could have dire consequences. He added that for every minute of delay in defibrillation, the chances of survival decrease by 10%.

#automated external defibrillator #aed defibrillator #portable defibrillator

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yayoineko · 1 year ago

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Aww nuoooo! Dr. Meridian found the Megatron x Optimus fanfiction! and he's starting from the very beginning!

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)

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reasoningdaily · 2 years ago

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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

#alabama #Newbern Alabama #A Black Man Was Elected Mayor in Rural Alabama #but the White Town Leaders Won’t Let Him Serve #Patrick Braxton #AlabamaLove.org #black lives matter

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