Georgetown Fire, Parks and Recreation Install Two AEDs in Public Spaces

GEORGETOWN — Georgetown Fire Department and Georgetown Parks and Recreation would like to announce the installation of two new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in two public areas of Georgetown.

The AEDs were recently purchased with the support of local organizations and have been installed at both American Legion Park and the East Main Street Soccer fields (behind the New Life Community Church) and are in secure, weatherproof cabinets.

The American Heart Association states that the chance of survival from cardiac arrest while awaiting emergency services drops 10 percent every minute without the use of CPR or an AED. However, 9 out of 10 cardiac arrest victims who receive a shock from an AED in the first minute live. 

The AED at American Legion Park is located on the light pole near the baseball left field fence. The AED at the East Main Street soccer fields is located on the first shed, between the first parking lot and the soccer fields.

Both cabinets are bright yellow, with AED signs at each location. 

The devices were purchased thanks to the contributions of Awesome Georgetown and the Kiwanis Club of Georgetown. 

“Studies have shown that immediate, high-quality CPR and defibrillation can triple the chances of survival from cardiac arrest. These AEDs have been installed to benefit and aid in the community’s overall safety,” Fire Chief Matthew McKay said. “We would like to thank Georgetown Parks and Recreation for their support and contribution to this project, as well as Awesome Georgetown and the Kiwanis Club of Georgetown for their generous financial support.”

To access the AED and first aid supplies, users must call 9-1-1 and receive the lock code from Georgetown emergency dispatchers. The AEDs will be available from April through October each year and are maintained by the Georgetown Fire Department.

Resources outlining instructions for AED usage can be accessed through websites such as the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. The Georgetown Fire Department is also planning additional Community First Aid and CPR courses this fall.

“We’re happy to have partnered with Georgetown Fire Department to bring these life-saving devices to the community, and we are extremely grateful for the financial contributions made by Awesome Georgetown and the Kiwanis Club of Georgetown,” said Georgetown Parks and Recreation Chair Mike Donahue. “This is a great example of the community coming together to benefit Georgetown.”

Residents seeking more information regarding the new AEDs can contact the Georgetown Fire Department’s non-emergency line at 978-352-5757.