Arrowhead AED has unveiled the first outdoor AED SaveStation in Grand Marais, installing the publicly accessible defibrillator outside the Cook County Community Center to improve emergency response throughout the region.

The nonprofit was created to expand access to automated external defibrillators across Cook County, where rural geography and limited emergency resources make rapid bystander intervention especially important.

“It’s one road in and out of here and we are minimal to what is available, so it’s important to have these placed throughout the county.”

— Kristen Smith, President, Arrowhead AED

Arrowhead AED was founded after 27-year-old Rory Bakke survived sudden cardiac arrest thanks to the quick use of an AED. His experience inspired community members to increase access to life-saving equipment throughout the county.

Bakke, who was later diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), said his story demonstrates that cardiac emergencies can happen to anyone, regardless of age or fitness.

“I’m a healthy person, never expected something like this to happen to me, so I think it’s a good example and a good reason to have these installed.”

— Rory Bakke

Arrowhead AED continues to work toward placing additional publicly accessible AEDs across Cook County while raising awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and the importance of rapid emergency response.