In another example of its commitment to the safety and health of Gadsden residents and visitors, the City of Gadsden Parks and Recreation Department installed five new automatic external defibrillators (AED).

“We are very pleased to update and standardize our AED inventory” Jennifer Weathington, Director of Gadsden Parks and Rec said. “Any time we can increase the likelihood of saving a life, it’s important, and certainly this program will do it because not only are the devices provided, but also the training that goes along with it.”

Gadsden Parks and Rec contracted with Cardiac Solutions, a leading provider of personal and public access defibrillators, to install the HeartSine Samaritan PAD 360P AEDs and train employees in their use. User-friendly, thanks to easy-to-follow visual and audio prompts, this AED analyzes the heart rhythm and delivers an electrical shock to victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) to restore the heart to a normal rhythm.

“We applaud Gadsden Parks and Rec for recognizing the importance of AEDs,” said Jon M. Seale, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiac Solutions.  “The department is demonstrating their commitment to the safety and well-being of their students, employees, and visitors by placing HeartSine AEDs throughout the park system. Additionally, having a managed program, such as the one Cardiac Solutions is providing for the City of Gadsden Parks and Recreation Department, significantly increases one’s chances of survival.”

SCA, the leading cause of death in the United States, causes the heart to stop pumping blood to the rest of the body, resulting in a loss of consciousness. CPR alone will not restart the heart. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, survival chances increase significantly when CPR and defibrillation are performed before first responders arrive. SCA can happen to people of all ages, including children, and is often fatal if not treated within minutes.

“We want to prioritize the safety of all who enjoy Gadsden’s parks and recreational facilities,” said Weathington.  “The AED program through Cardiac Solutions provides us with an opportunity to be better prepared for helping anyone who goes into sudden cardiac arrest. This is a great investment and steps forward in providing a safer place to work and play.”