AED Systems Installed at Hermiston Parks and Sports Facilities

The City of Hermiston and Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation are providing access to life-saving equipment with three automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at community recreation sites. The AEDs were funded through a $7,500 grant from the Good Shepherd Foundation and installed at the Good Shepherd Pickleball Complex, Funland Playground, and HEROS Sportsplex on October 28.

The AEDs at the Good Shepherd Pickleball Complex and Funland Playground are housed in outdoor cabinets with a locking code. During a medical emergency, individuals can call 911 to receive the access code, enabling them to administer aid using the AED while emergency responders are on the way. The AED at the HEROS Sportsplex will be unlocked and available during scheduled activities.

The Hermiston Parks & Recreation Department applied for the grant to make lifesaving equipment more accessible in high-traffic recreational areas. Hermiston will be the first city in Umatilla County to offer AEDs in secure, lockable outdoor cabinets.

“Having these AEDs readily available in some of Hermiston’s busiest parks brings a sense of security for our community,” said Brandon Artz, Hermiston Parks & Recreation Director. “We’re grateful to the Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation for recognizing this need and helping us provide the resource for residents and visitors.”

“In an emergency, every second counts,” said Umatilla County Fire District #1 Community Paramedic Jessica Marcum. “Early CPR and defibrillation make the biggest impact on whether someone survives a cardiac event. People who get those interventions within three minutes, often before emergency responders arrive, have the highest chance of survival. We are so glad our residents and visitors will be equipped with this life-saving equipment.”

“Umatilla County Dispatch is proud to partner with the City of Hermiston, Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation and local emergency responders to make important services such as these AED devices available to the public,” said Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office Communication Lt. Justin Russell. “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. This partnership ensures that life-saving equipment is accessible when seconds count.”

Good Shepherd Health Care System offers AED, CPR and first aid classes for those interested in learning more about life-saving techniques.

The new AEDs continue the City’s ongoing commitment to enhancing community safety and preparedness. Parks & Recreation staff worked closely with the Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation to identify the most effective placement for the units based on visitor traffic and accessibility.