Behind a donation from Dr. Harshul Patel, and in cooperation with the City of Hopkinsville, officials have accepted and installed four automated external defibrillators throughout the city’s parks.
They will be kept in a locked weatherproof case, and can be accessed in the event of a medical emergency by calling 911 and receiving an access code.
No specific training is necessary in order to operate an AED, and those concerned can be easily walked through the procedure courtesy of dispatch.
Fire Chief Steve Futrell said when someone is experiencing cardiac arrest, “seconds matter,” and that this donation will save lives.
The AEDs were placed at strategic locations: East Second Street Park, Debow Park, Ruff Park Pavilion and Joe Mumford Park. The installations are under constant video surveillance, and are protected by a tamper-proof lock system.
Officials with the Hopkinsville Fire Department would like to extend its appreciation to Dr. Patel and the City of Hopkinsville for bringing this into reality.
Citizens are now being encouraged to know the locations of these devices, and report any damage to them they may see by calling (270) 890-1400.
