Metro Atlanta city launches ‘Heart Safe’ defibrillator initiative

The City of Smyrna Fire Department announced the launch of a new initiative that will put 25 defibrillators around the city to increase access to lifesaving measures in public.

Channel 2 Action News reported when the program was proposed in mid-October.

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The program, “Smyrna Heart Safe” will add 25 Avive Automated External Defibrillators around the city in “a complete overhaul of the city’s public AED system” in January.

The new AEDs will replace the older models currently in use, according to officials, expanding lifesaving access in the city’s public spaces.

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“Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, and every minute without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival,” Smyrna Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management Brian Marcos said in a statement. “By replacing aging equipment with modern, connected devices, Smyrna is making sure that when an emergency happens, the AED nearby is ready to work.”

According to the city’s announcement, six of the AEDs will be installed in fully public locations that can b reached at any time, including at Village Green Park, Jonquil Park, Riverline Park, Brinkley Park, RiverView Park and Tollison Park.

The remaining 19 AEDs will be placed in city facilities to replace outdated devices.

Smyrna officials said the city will spend $70,000 on the new AEDs and new outdoor cabinets for the six public units, plus site infrastructure.

The goal of the new program is to improve chances for those suffereing sudden cardiac arrest, “when every second counts.”

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