Lifesaving devices placed at several Melissa locations

AEDs at parks and City Hall address cardiac arrests 

MELISSA (February 15, 2023) In addition to providing safe and secure parks, athletic facilities and fields, the City of Melissa has now installed automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at some of these gathering spots, including City Hall.

An AED is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. AEDs are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest. Statistics reveal that almost 90 percent of victims who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest do not survive it. However, when an AED is properly applied within the first few minutes of a cardiac event, the chances for survival are doubled, and sometimes tripled.

AEDs have been permanently installed at various locations where people are likely to gather. These include City Hall, 3411 Barker Ave., on the first floor near the elevator. Another has been installed at the concession stand and the soccer restroom at the Z-PLEX, 4220 E. Melissa Road. Also, the pavilion at Bob Miller Park, 1716 Miller Road, and at the restrooms of the under-construction 90-acre park, 4101 Liberty Way. An additional AED device has been installed near the restrooms at the concession stand at Zadow Park, 3001 McKinney St. 

Each of the AEDs is encased in a highly visible location with the word DEFIBRILLATOR on the outside. Each is clearly marked with a three dimensional sign posted directly above it that features a bright red heart with a lightning bolt through it, the universal sign of the AED device.

The devices can be easily withdrawn from the bolted encasement and include written operational instructions along with audible prompts on the machine once it is activated. No specific training is required. While the devices are permanently installed, they are covered by a long-term lease with a third-party provider, which will be responsible for the testing, servicing, replacing, and the general upkeep of the various devices.

Medical emergencies should always be accompanied by a call to the emergency dispatch at 9-1-1. 

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