CALIFORNIA--Palo Alto city council unanimously approved the $92,500 purchase of 37 automated external defibrillators, or AEDs. The lightweight, portable devices are capable of delivering an electric shock through the chest to the heart to restore normal rhythm. Squad cars, community centers, athletic fields and many government buildings will be equipped with the devices, according to a city staff report. In addition the school district also plans to place the devices on every campus by June 2014.
The city council's decision to purchase AEDs resulted from collaboration between the police and fire departments and Racing Hearts, a Palo Alto-based nonprofit that advocates for the purchase, placement and training of AEDs in schools, playgrounds and community centers. The funds will come out of the council's contingency fund.