The Dubuque Fire Department has launched a program to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in several Dubuque parks.

An AED is a portable, life-saving device used to treat sudden cardiac arrest by analyzing the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electric shock to restore normal function. An analysis from the National Institutes of Health has shown that AED use can increase cardiac arrest survival rates by as much as 70%.

Working with the City of Dubuque Parks and Recreation Department, the first set of installations have been completed, placing AEDs at Comiskey Park (255 E. 24th St.), Miracle League Park (2790 Miracle League Dr.), and the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (3800 Arboretum Dr.).

“AEDs are proven to save lives in cardiac emergencies,” says Dubuque Fire Department EMS Bureau Chief Sam Janecke. “Placing these devices around our community helps get critical care to patients while emergency responders are en route.”

The AEDs are located in brightly colored, secure cabinets in high visibility locations at each park. To access the AED, individuals will need to call 9-1-1. An emergency dispatcher will then give the caller an alpha-numeric code, which will unlock the cabinet. The AED will provide text and voice instructions to guide the user through proper operation until first responders arrive at the location.

“Bystanders with little or even no training can be confident they’ll be able to effectively use the AED because the device walks them through the entire process,” says Dubuque Fire Department Medical Officer Jeff Pregler.

A total of 11 cabinets to house the AEDs have been purchased. An additional five may still be acquired by this summer. Additional locations where the cabinets are planned to be installed include:

• Eagle Point Park, 2601 Shiras Ave.
• Jackson Park, 1500 Main St.
• Jefferson Park, 665 University Ave.
• Mississippi Riverwalk, 600 Bell St.
• Orange Park, 1801 Washington St.
• Near the public restroom near the intersection of 4th St. and Bluff St.

Locations were identified by analyzing the fire department’s medical response data and other factors such as population density, demographic information, and existing AED locations.

The AEDs became available after the Dubuque Police Department received a grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust which allowed for the purchase of new AEDs for each police vehicle. Existing AEDs from the squad cars are being repurposed for installation in public places, such as parks. Funding for the AED cabinets was budgeted to the fire department through the City’s capital improvement program.

For more information on the program, contact the Dubuque Fire Department at 563.589.4160 or fi**@***********ue.org. Additional information about the use and effectiveness of AEDs can be found at heart.org/AED