Where to find 24×7 Outdoor AED Access – Including Some Overlooked Locations
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is both an ongoing health epidemic and a serial killer. It is the leading cause of natural death in the United States, claiming the lives of over 1,000 people a day, across all ages, sexes, races, and even health profiles. SCA also strikes without warning.
When SCA does happen, every second counts. In fact, a victim’s chance of survival decreases by 7–10% for every minute that passes without defibrillation or shock from an automated external defibrillator (AED). Sadly, the national SCA survival rate has remained stagnant for decades at less than 10%. Why? Largely, because AEDs aren’t placed in enough places where people gather. That’s why placing highly visible, publicly accessible AEDs everywhere- including outdoors- isn’t just a good idea, but an absolute ‘necessity.’
While more and more AEDs have been deployed in indoor locations, historically, they have not been placed in large numbers outside. The good news is that technology now exists to place AEDs outdoors in highly visible, temperature-regulated, 24×7 monitored ‘smart’ cabinets that help safeguard people and communities from SCA emergencies. Here’s a list of where AEDs should be placed outside, including some overlooked locations. If you don’t see an AED in any of these locations- or others where you think they belong, call us- we can help.
Most Logical Locations for Outdoor AED Access
While there remains a significant need for greater AED placement and penetration everywhere, we extend our congratulations to the pioneering leaders who “have led the initial charge” at these seemingly logical outdoor locales.
School Athletic Facilities
From high school football, soccer, and lacrosse stadiums to baseball/softball fields and tennis courts, AEDs belong at schools in several outdoor areas. Athletes, coaches, referees, faculty, and spectators are all vulnerable to SCA. Unfortunately, there are far too many tragic and heartbreaking stories of young people succumbing to SCA because an AED wasn’t accessible outdoors within minutes at their school.
Community Parks, Fields & Courts
Countless outdoor community parks and fields host thousands of visitors throughout the year, offering fresh air, exercise classes, youth and adult sports leagues, and special events. And outdoor recreation is usually great for anyone’s heart health, until it isn’t. Exertion, heat, and existing heart conditions make AED access non-negotiable in these locations, if not mandatory.
Municipalities / Main Streets
The trend for many villages and municipalities across the country to start revitalizing their town centers/downtowns started 5-10 years ago, and Covid-19 only accelerated this movement. More restaurants, enhanced outdoor social areas, and revamped event spaces mean more people are staying closer to home. As a result, there is a growing number of municipalities that are placing AEDs throughout common main streets, village squares, and outdoor gazebos.
Open-Air Shopping Malls & Concert Venues
Shoppers, music enthusiasts, and fun seekers, young and old, can quickly experience fatigue, dehydration, and stress while outdoors. AEDs at open-air shopping malls, concert venues, and major event centers can provide coverage when emerge
ncy services are miles away and/or large crowds make it hard to navigate to potential SCA victims quickly and effectively.
Overlooked Outdoor Areas that Also Need AEDs
Strategically placed AEDs at these other important outdoor locations can mean the difference between life and death.
Trails, Forest Preserves & Campgrounds
By their nature, trails, forest preserves, and campgrounds are remote areas without immediate access to critical emergency medical services. Strategic placement of AEDs in highly visible, weatherproof, temperature-controlled cabinets at trailheads, walking paths, and campgrounds means that families, hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts have quick access in case of SCA emergencies.
Pools, Beaches, Waterfronts, Marinas
Sure, there are lifeguards, but are there AEDs? And are they nearby outside and available 24×7? Beaches have remote areas far away from the main lifeguard station. And what if the beach, pool shed, or marina is ‘closed’ when you and your loved ones happen to be there? Coverage in these areas is often either non-existent or limited, especially during off-hours. Placing AEDs outdoors in specifically designed outdoor cabinets means that at dawn or dusk, under scorching sun, or in the salty air, the lifesaving AED inside is always available, protected from the elements, and ready when needed.
Outdoor Special Events / Festivals
Summer Festivals, Farmer’s Markets, County Fairs & Carnivals, Rodeos, 4th of July fireworks on the Village Green, Amusement Parks, Children’s Fairs, etc. – all hold special memories for those of us at a certain age. And all are prime locations to place lifesaving AEDs in your community
Rural Areas
Every life matters, not just those in heavily populated areas. Our farmers are working hard to feed the nation, often in remote/rural locations where EMS response times can be delayed. AEDs mounted outside rural town halls, post offices, fire stations, local diners, or grain elevators provide life-saving protection for everyone and can empower lay or volunteer responders to act fast and save lives when professional responders are far away.
The New Frontier- Placing Lifesaving AEDs Outside
It’s one thing to have an AED locked inside a building. It’s quite another to have it available any time, day or night, protected inside an all-weather, temperature-regulated, and smart-monitored cabinet that is specifically designed for the outdoors. At SaveHeart by HeartNation, we’re committed to placing AEDs where they can make the biggest impact- including in both obvious and not-so-obvious outdoor areas. Everywhere, the message is loud and clear: “We care about the health & safety of everyone that lives in or visits our special community.”
Interested in bringing AED access to your school, town/community, park district, athletic field, organization, or event?
Let’s talk. We specialize in assessing strategic AED locations, sharing best practices, and helping make lifesaving AED accessibility a reality wherever people live, work, play, raise families, and build strong communities.
About SaveHeart by HeartNation
With over 30 years in the public safety, defibrillation, and resuscitation industries, SaveHeart by HeartNation is honored to partner with those who share our mission to eliminate unnecessary sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) deaths through greater AED access, awareness & lifesaving technology. We work with leading AED manufacturers, distributors, not-for-profit organizations, and technology providers nationwide to prepare & protect people and organizations everywhere from SCA emergencies.
Proudly made in America, SaveHeart by HeartNation cabinets provide immediate visibility and 24×7 access to lifesaving AEDs, Stop the Bleed Kits, Narcan, and other emergency supplies. They are ideal for athletic fields, courts, parks, trails, schools & universities, marinas, business districts, and any outdoor locations where people congregate.