Sometimes, all it takes is being at the right place at the right time.

Thanks to the recent installation of an automated external defibrillator at Arts of the Pamlico, made possible with a donation from First South Bank, more people could find themselves in the right place at the right time in the event of a tragedy.

An AED is a portable device that diagnoses a life-threatening, irregular heartbeat and applies electric shock if needed when a patient is suffering from a heart attack or cardiac arrest.

“This was an absolute no brainer that we wanted to make sure we were a part of,” said Mia Williams, branch manager at First South Bank. “First South Bank is very community oriented. We focus on community first.”

First South Bank donated $1,800 to the cause. Williams said the bank tries to support many different community endeavors, and they were eager to support this one.

The project follows an incident in February when a man suffered a cardiac incident outside of the Turnage Theatre, and bystanders rushed to his aid, performing life-saving CPR until paramedics arrived.

Heather Thienpont, board member at AOP, spearheaded this project after the February incident. She said she started reaching out to the community, and First South Bank jumped on board quickly.

“It’s been in the works since about February. After the incident, I said, ‘Let’s light this fire.’ I reached out to First South, and they stepped up with the $1,800,” Thienpont said.

The machine is located directly inside AOP, next to the entrance door, and is available to the public any time AOP is open. It was installed last week. Those involved felt it was a good central location to have one in the downtown area. There is also one at First Presbyterian Church.

The device is very user-friendly, according to Washington Fire-Rescue-EMS Battalion Chief Doug Bissette.

“It’s dummy-proof,” Bissette said. “You just unzip it and push the button, and it tells you everything you need to do.”

Williams said the bank wants to help keep downtown active, and this project offered many obvious benefits.

“First South Bank recognized a need and was delighted to support the downtown area with this much-needed life-saving device,” Williams said.