DUNWOODY, Ga. — According to the American Heart Association, just under a half million cardiac arrest deaths occur each year.
However, experts say cardiac arrest deaths can be prevented if CPR or an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used immediately.
The city of Dunwoody is making sure residents have access to these devices, in a first for metro Atlanta, by installing four SaveStations equipped with AEDs in public parks.
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Ahead of its official Thursday unveiling, Dunwoody Police Sgt. Michael Cheek gave Channel 2’s Brittany Kleinpeter a preview of the device now on display at Brooke Run Park.
“We put them out here to hopefully save lives and increase the chance of survivability when we’re waiting on fire departments,” Cheek explained.
Each SaveStation cabinet houses a publicly accessible AED designed for easy use by anyone in emergencies.
When the cabinet is opened, an alarm sounds, notifying emergency dispatchers.
The AED provides audible and visual instructions, evaluating the patient’s heart rhythm and administering a shock, if necessary.
Families in the park Wednesday like Monique and Russell Wyche said the device provides a sense of comfort and security.
“You never know what can happen and you want to make sure everyone goes home safe,” Russell said.
Leaders like Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Director Rachel Waldron say they hope these SaveStations can bridge the gap between a medical issue and care.
“By installing SaveStations in public parks and recreation areas, we want people to become more aware of AEDs and more comfortable with the idea of using one in an emergency,” Waldron said.
The three other stations are located at the Brook Run Park multi-use fields, Two Bridges Park, and Pernoshal Park.
The stations were supplied by city SPLOST funds, costing about $15,000 for our four boxes.
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