June 28, 2025

Hillsborough County Installs AEDs in Local Parks

News Summary

Hillsborough County, in partnership with the American Heart Association, has installed 25 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in county parks to enhance cardiac emergency response. The AEDs are user-friendly and placed in accessible locations, ensuring rapid response in case of emergencies. This initiative aims to significantly increase survival rates from cardiac arrests, which currently see low outcomes without timely intervention. Additionally, a new Florida law will require schools to have AEDs on premises, further promoting community health awareness.

Tampa, Florida – Hillsborough County Enhances Cardiac Emergency Response with AEDs in Parks

On June 6, Hillsborough County and the American Heart Association marked a significant advancement in public health and safety by celebrating the installation of the first of 25 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in county parks. The initiative underscores the critical need for rapid response mechanisms in case of cardiac emergencies.

Having an AED available and administered within three minutes of a cardiac incident can significantly enhance an individual’s chances of survival. Recent studies indicate that prompt access to an AED increases the likelihood of survival following a cardiac arrest to nearly 70%, particularly when used within the crucial first two minutes. Current statistics reveal approximately 1,000 people in the United States suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each day, with survival rates dropping below 10% in instances without an AED present.

AED Accessibility and Operation

The AEDs installed in the parks are designed to be user-friendly and require no prior training for operation. Equipped with voice prompts, these devices guide users through the steps necessary to administer life-saving therapy. The AEDs will be secured in locked cabinets located in publicly accessible areas within each park. To gain access, individuals must promptly call 911. This call not only connects the user with emergency dispatchers who can provide the necessary access code but also ensures that first responders are informed of the medical emergency in real-time.

Last year, Hillsborough County successfully placed 50 AEDs in parks and sports complexes associated with athletic leagues. The newly installed AEDs in parks are funded through a donation from the American Heart Association. The Skyway Sports Complex, located at 3901 George Rd., Tampa, hosted the installation ceremony for this important initiative.

Locations and Implementation Timeline

The AEDs are set to be installed across several parks in Hillsborough County, including Balm Park, Bloomingdale East Park, Brandon Park, Ruskin Park, and SouthShore Sportsplex. In addition to these locations, AEDs are already in operation at Skyway Sports Complex, Carrollwood Village Park, and Branchton Park as part of the county’s ongoing efforts to improve public health infrastructure.

County officials anticipate that the new AED units will be operational and integrated with 911 services by August of this year, ensuring that all the necessary protocols are in place for rapid response in case of cardiac emergencies.

Legislation and Community Impact

In conjunction with these enhancements, a new Florida law set to take effect on July 1 will require all public schools to have at least one AED on their premises. Additionally, this legislation mandates that certain students receive basic first aid training, further promoting health awareness and preparedness within the community.

The American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of immediate action in the event of a cardiac arrest. Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can increase a person’s chance of survival by two to three times. The combination of CPR and early AED use remains critical in improving overall survival rates among those experiencing cardiac incidents.

Conclusion

The installation of the AEDs in Hillsborough County parks not only enhances the local response to cardiac emergencies but also contributes to community awareness about health crises and the importance of immediate action. As these devices become operational, they will serve as a vital resource, hopefully saving lives and promoting a culture of readiness and responsiveness in public spaces.

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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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