Dunwoody officials have installed four SaveStations equipped with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public parks, which they called the first installation of its sort in metro Atlanta.
City leaders and staff will officially unveil the first SaveStation at the Brook Run Park playground at 4770 North Peachtree Rd. onThursday, Feb. 6, at 11 a.m., according to a city press release.
The other SaveStations are located at Two Bridges Park, Pernoshal Park, and the Brook Run Park multi-use fields, ensuring broad accessibility across the community.
“SaveStations are essential for saving lives by providing public access to AEDs,” Dunwoody Police Chief Mike Carlson said. “When it comes to cardiac arrest, every second counts. Research shows that combining CPR with an AED can dramatically increase the chances of survival.”
According to city officials, each SaveStation cabinet houses a publicly accessible AED designed for easy use by anyone in emergencies. When the cabinet is opened, an alarm sounds, and emergency dispatchers are notified.
However, city officials urge anyone using the station to call also 911 immediately. The AED provides clear, audible instructions and includes visual diagrams to guide users through the process, so no training is needed. Once the pads are applied, the AED evaluates the patient’s heart rhythm and administers a shock only if necessary, ensuring safe and effective use.
“If there’s a cardiac emergency, call 911, start CPR, and send someone to retrieve an AED,” Carlson said. “These steps can make all the difference.”
Officials note that Good Samaritan laws provide protection from civil liability. The SaveStations are under video surveillance to help keep them secure.
“Along with several council members, I saw a SaveStation demonstration at a conference last year, and we were impressed,” Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch said. “I’m thrilled that our city manager and staff made it a priority to provide public access to this life-saving technology.”
The city also published a video to show how the SaveStation works.
