AED installation at most popular and most remote parks will ensure lifesaving tools are available in cardiac emergencies
When it comes to a cardiac emergency, the difference between life and death can be measured in seconds. That's why putting automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, in Hillsborough County parks and making them accessible to anyone at any time is so important.
Defibrillators for the win
On Friday, June 6, Hillsborough County and the American Heart Association celebrated the installation of the first of 25 defibrillators that will be placed at the County's most popular and most remote parks.
Defibrillators are medical devices that apply an electric charge or current to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat. If a heart stops due to cardiac arrest, a defibrillator may help it start beating again.
Courtney Burt, vice president of community impact for the American Heart Association, pointed out that on average, 1,000 people a day in the U.S. experience sudden cardiac arrest outside a hospital.
Having an AED administered within three minutes of a cardiac emergency significantly improves chances of survival.
The defibrillators placed in County parks are designed so almost anyone can use them with no training.
Burt described how easy the AEDs were to use. "They are super user-friendly. On the newer devices you just open the device, and it will automatically turn on and start prompts -- telling you how to prepare the person, where to put the pads, there's actually diagrams on each pad."
The smart technology in the devices even tells the user to "calm down."
Burt also explained that the AED will not discharge electricity unless it finds a rhythm that it thinks it can fix. Some users may find this feature comforting, as it ensures that the device cannot electrocute the user or the person in need of aid.
911 access
The defibrillators will be kept in a locked cabinet in a publicly accessible location at each park. To gain access to the cabinet, anyone can call 911, and the dispatcher will give them the access code to the cabinet.
The requirement to call 911 ensures that first responders are immediately notified of the medical emergency.
Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation has made a strong effort to make AEDs available in County-run parks. Last year, the County placed 50 defibrillators at parks and sports complexes with athletic leagues. The AEDs were a gift from the American Heart Association.