The Southfield Fire Department recently installed new Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) throughout the city to replace older models that were expiring.

The city of Southfield installed Powerheart G5 AEDs by Cardiac Science. The new AEDs are among the first to combine rescue coach prompting, fast shock times and variable escalating energy. If an AED is needed, the Powerheart G5 will provide user-paced instruction, text screen displays, rescue prompts as well as critical rescue information until emergency medical services arrive.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) encourages employers to consider making AEDs available in workplaces. AEDs are an important lifesaving technology and could have a role in treating workplace cardiac arrest. The city of Southfield was one of the first communities to place AEDs in the workplace, originally placing defibrillators throughout the Southfield Municipal Campus in 2000.

The Fire Department offers Heart Saver CPR, AED and First Aid classes. For more information on available CPR classes, visit www.cityofsouthfield.com.

For more information, contact the Southfield Fire Department EMS line at (248) 796-5608.