Mayor Announces New AED Location Mapping System & Launches AED Registration Drive
Mayor Greg Fischer joined Emergency Management Agency/MetroSafe today to announce the addition of a new information system that will assist 911 dispatchers in helping callers locate life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available near sudden cardiac arrest victims.
The new system from Atrus, called AED Link™, shows the location of registered AEDs on 911 agency maps. Dispatchers can then direct callers to a nearby device.
“This system has the potential to make every AED in Louisville potentially 35 times more likely to be used in an emergency,” Mayor Fischer said.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 300,000 people yearly. Compact and portable, AEDs are designed to be used by laypeople with little or no training to deliver a shock that can save a victim’s life before paramedics arrive.
“The problem is that until now, publicly available AEDs are rarely used in an emergency because people can’t see them and 911 dispatchers are unaware they are nearby,” Mayor Fischer said.
"The new system lets us instantly see the location of all registered AEDs near a sudden cardiac arrest victim so we can send someone to get one in time to help save a life,” said Jody Duncan, Public Information Officer with Emergency Management Agency/MetroSafe.
Mayor Fischer is encouraging the registration of all AEDs. EMA/MetroSafe has partnered with Louisville Metro EMS and other community groups to reach owners and managers of office buildings, restaurants, malls, gyms, recreational venues, churches and other locations where AEDs may be available. AED owners should visit www.NationalAEDRegistry.com to register their AEDs at no cost.
