Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, have been installed in Berlin at the Welcome Center, Stephen Decatur Park and Henry Park as an added safety measure for emergent cardiac arrest incidents.
A newly installed Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, is pictured in Berlin.
Tara Fischer / Bayside Gazette
By Tara Fischer, Staff Writer
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been installed in Berlin at the Welcome Center, Stephen Decatur Park and Henry Park as an added safety measure for emergent cardiac arrest incidents.
The Food and Drug Administration describes AEDs as a “type of computerized defibrillator that automatically analyzes the heart rhythm in people experiencing cardiac arrest. When appropriate, it delivers an electrical shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm.” The devices have now been added around town to protect residents and visitors in an unfortunate situation.
According to Berlin Special Project Administrator Kate Daub, the town has been looking to purchase the potentially life-saving appliances since 2023. Officials investigated the possibility of receiving Community Parks and Playground Program funding from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for purchasing the AEDs. However, they discovered the devices were ineligible for the CPP monetary support because their expected lifespan was less than 20 years.
“Since then, the Town of Berlin and the Parks Commission have been discussing ways to make the project feasible,” Daub said.
The installation was completed earlier this month, and the devices are fully operational. Daub said that the project’s total cost, including three AEDs and accessories and climate-controlled and monitored storage cabinets for each, was approximately $7,500. Of that, $6,700 was donated by the Berlin Lions Club, a group dedicated to fostering a tight-knit community and helping those in need.
The remaining cost, as well as unexpected electrical maintenance that was discovered during installation, was covered by the Town of Berlin.
One AED has been placed at each site. Daub said the unit at Stephen Decatur Park is adjacent to the playground area near the parking lot, the device at Henry Park is on the outer wall near the restroom building, and the appliance at the Berlin Welcome Center is in the main foyer at the entrance. The defibrillators are available for public use 24/7.
“We recognize the vital role of AEDs in the chain of care during cardiac emergencies,” Daub noted. “It is crucial to place AEDs in high-traffic areas or locations where physical activity occurs to ensure public access to AEDs as an essential safety measure.”
Daub maintained that the venture was a collaboration between the town and the Berlin Lions Club.
“Their donation was crucial in providing the necessary funding to get the project off the ground,” she said.
The Berlin Electric Department and Public Works Department also diligently worked to ensure the installation was completed safely and the units were secured in readily accessible areas.
Daub urged residents with questions regarding the AEDs of their locations to contact her directly at 410-641-4002.