Peabody Installs First Outdoor AEDs At 2 School Athletic Sites

PEABODY, MA — Peabody has launched a new effort to place outdoor automated external defibrillators at parks and recreation spaces across the city, with the first two units now installed at school athletic sites.

The program was funded through a $95,000 state earmark designated for outdoor AEDs. The Peabody Recreation Department said it acquired more than 20 outdoor AED units that will be installed throughout the city.

The first two are now in place outside the PVMHS concession stand and outside the Higgins Middle School concession stand.

The department said the secure cabinets are designed so the code will be provided by 911 when someone calls emergency services. The units will be inspected regularly and after any use.

Installation is still underway, and not all cabinets have AEDs inside at this time.

The city tied the initiative to the heavy use of parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and other outdoor gathering spaces.

"Our parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, and recreational spaces bring thousands of residents and visitors together to play, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors," officials said. "By placing AEDs in these spaces, we're helping ensure that life-saving equipment is more accessible when it's needed most."

Additional AED sites will be announced as installations move forward.