Learn To Save A Life At Avon AED Program

AVON, CT — Local police will be at the Avon Free Public Library this week to help folks learn how to save lives.

Avon Police Department Sgt. Marl Arbogast will be at the library on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to teach the public about automated external defibrillators or AEDs.

These are portable, accessible devices designed to shock a heart back into breathing and have been credited with saving the lives of many victims of cardiac arrest.

The aim is for a bystander to be able to grab one at a public place, if necessary, such as parks, schools, and other public gathering spots, and quickly utilize it before help can arrive.

Wednesday's free event is designed to teach anyone how to use them if they are in such a situation.

"When every second counts, how to use an AED matters," wrote event organizers in an announcement.

This one-hour course is not for any type of certification, but it is hoped to provide people with general knowledge in the event of a cardiac emergency.

Meanwhile, the Town of Avon announced the installation of its first outdoor AED at Sperry Park, located at 60 Simsbury Road.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Sept. 29, in recognition of World Heart Day, highlighting the importance of accessible emergency equipment in public spaces.

The AED is housed in a highly visible yellow cabinet mounted on the exterior wall of the Avon Little
League snack shack, easily accessible to park visitors and users of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.

The cabinet requires a keycode to open, and clear instructions to “CALL 911” are displayed on the front.

When a suspected cardiac arrest is reported to the Farmington-Avon Dispatch Center, the dispatcher will provide the caller with instructions to access and use the equipment while first responders are on the way.

The AED device itself can treat both adult and pediatric cardiac arrest victims.

It provides clear voice prompts to guide bystanders through the process and will only deliver a shock if needed.

The AED unit was donated by the Avon Little League, and the enclosure was purchased by the
Town.

The installation was coordinated by the Department of Recreation & Parks, with input and assistance
provided by the Avon Police Department, the Department of Public Works, the Avon Town Manager’s Office, and Avon Town Council Member Erin Barthel.

“This installation reflects our ongoing commitment to public safety and community health,” said Avon Town Manager Brandon Robertson. “We’re grateful to the Avon Little League for their generous donation and to all who helped make this project possible. Having AEDs in high-use public areas can make a critical difference in emergency situations.”

Looking ahead, the town plans to continue expanding outdoor AED access on municipal properties as funding permits, prioritizing high-use recreational areas.