The Leawood Fire Department in Kansas has expanded public access to life-saving AEDs by installing climate-controlled SaveStation cabinets throughout the city’s major parks and outdoor recreational areas.

After identifying gaps in outdoor cardiac arrest response coverage, the department partnered with the Johnson County HeartSafe Foundation and local advocates to deploy publicly accessible AEDs that are available 24/7.

“There remained one gap in coverage: AED public access in outdoor areas, like the city’s expansive park space.”

— Fire Chief Colin Fitzgerald

The initiative began in 2021 after Leawood resident Nancy Holland survived sudden cardiac arrest thanks to immediate CPR and rapid AED use. Following her recovery, Holland and her husband partnered with the fire department to bring the region’s first SaveStation to Ironwoods Park.

The outdoor cabinets are alarmed, climate-controlled, GPS-enabled, and integrated with the PulsePoint Respond app to help guide rescuers to the nearest AED during emergencies.

“The system provides 24/7 monitoring, monitors when the cabinet is opened and/or if the AED is removed and sends alerts via text and email to designated officials.”

Following a successful pilot program, the City of Leawood approved funding for five additional SaveStations, bringing the total to six units across the city’s major parks.

Officials say the expanded coverage is especially important as the Kansas City region prepares to host major outdoor events connected to the FIFA World Cup 2026.