Source: Apple Valley News Now
The City of Richland has expanded its public access defibrillator network with the installation of a new AED SaveStation at Badger Mountain Community Park, bringing the city’s total number of outdoor SaveStations to seven.
The station was installed as part of Richland’s ongoing Heart Safe initiative, which focuses on improving cardiac arrest survival rates through public AED access, CPR education, and community preparedness.
“For every minute that goes by that CPR is not performed and an AED isn’t used, your chance of survival goes down 10%.”
— AJ Fandrich, Richland Fire & Emergency Services
Richland Fire & Emergency Services selected Badger Mountain Community Park because of its heavy daily use, including youth sports leagues, recreational programs, and family activities. Officials say the location provides an ideal opportunity to place life-saving equipment where large numbers of people gather.
The SaveStation is available 24/7 and is designed for use by anyone, regardless of medical training. Once activated, the AED provides step-by-step voice instructions to guide users through the rescue process.
“You need to know one thing, and that’s to turn it on. It’s going to tell you exactly what to do.”
— AJ Fandrich
Since launching the Heart Safe Richland program in 2018, the city has trained more than 60,000 residents in Hands-Only CPR. Officials continue to offer free community education sessions to help residents build confidence responding to cardiac emergencies.
The new installation is part of a broader strategy to improve survival outcomes by ensuring life-saving equipment is available in parks, recreation facilities, and other high-traffic public spaces throughout the city.
