Umatilla County, OR. — Umatilla County Dispatch has partnered with the City of Hermiston and the Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation to install three new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in popular community recreation areas.
The AEDs are now available at the Good Shepherd Pickleball Complex, Funland Playground, and HEROS Sportsplex, ensuring rapid access to life-saving equipment in high-traffic public spaces.
“When dealing with an unresponsive person, our 911 call-takers provide pre-arrival instructions to callers before EMS providers are on scene, which include instructions on how to use an AED,” said Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office Communications Lt. Justin Russell. “This partnership ensures that life-saving equipment is accessible when seconds count.”
Officials emphasized that for the outdoor AED cabinets, community members should call 911 immediately during a medical emergency.
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest by delivering an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. These devices are designed to be simple for bystanders to use with verbal and visual prompts.
Good Shepherd Health Care System also offers AED, CPR, and first aid classes for anyone interested in learning how to use this equipment and be prepared to respond in an emergency.
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