Dec 19, 2016 By Luke Campbell 2 min read

South Fayette Township is preparing to place automated external defibrillators at its parks as early as this spring.

The conversation of placing AEDs in the township’s main recreational outdoor spaces – Fairview Park, Boys Home Park, Sturgeon Park and the new multipurpose fields off Seminary Avenue near Oakdale – was spurred by the various sports associations that use the facilities.

The township is currently researching costs and models of the potentially life-saving device, which can be used by both adults and children in the event of an emergency. The AEDs have voice-prompting instructions to instruct people how to properly operate the device.

“One thing I’ve been impressed with is how user friendly those devices have become,” township manager Ryan Eggleston said. “It doesn’t take a physician to understand how to do it. It just takes someone who is willing to listen and follow directions.”

To pay for the devices, the township is looking at its reserves in the capital fund budget.

“We’re starting to look into prices but they can really vary,” Eggleston said. “They can range from $1,000 to $2,500 for each device, typically depending on the model and the different accessories that come with it.”

Eggleston and other township officials are also working on ideal placement for the potentially life-saving device. Ideally, the AEDs would be placed in a lighted area, in front of cameras and out of the elements to extend its longevity.

“If it has the potential of saving a life, then it’s worth it,” Eggleston said.