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Community partners gathered at Coxhall Gardens on Wednesday, Aug. 27 to celebrate the installation of a new outdoor, 24/7 AED SaveStation, ensuring quick access to life-saving technology for thousands of park visitors each year.
The project came together through the partnership of IU Health, Bolt for the Heart, Current Publishing, the City of Carmel, and Hamilton County Parks and Recreation (HCPR). The SaveStation houses a Zoll G5 Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which guides users step by step through life-saving measures during a sudden cardiac emergency.
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“When a heart event occurs, every second matters,” said Sarah Clemens, cardiovascular service line leader with IU Health. “By placing AEDs in the hands of those who are often first on the scene, we can save lives and greatly improve outcomes for patients. IU Health is proud to support Bolt for the Heart in making this life-saving resource more accessible to our community.”
Pierre Twer, president of Bolt for the Heart, emphasized the impact the device will have in a highly trafficked park like Coxhall Gardens.
“We are honored to be part of this important donation,” Twer said. “Having an AED on site will protect the many families, walkers, and community members who enjoy this park every day. The Zoll G5 AED is designed to walk anyone through the steps of using it, and having one close by will only save lives.”
The addition of the SaveStation was warmly welcomed by Hamilton County Parks leadership.
“Every day, our parks bring people together to connect with nature, explore, and create lasting memories,” HCPR Director Chris Stice said. “Thanks to IU Health and Bolt for the Heart, Coxhall Gardens now has an AED and SaveStation, ensuring that if the unexpected happens, we have the tools to help when it matters most. We are truly grateful for this life-saving addition to the park.”
For Current Publishing and the City of Carmel, the project underscores the importance of partnerships that put safety and community first. Together, the organizations have provided support to ensure the station is positioned in a central, visible location within the park.
The Coxhall Gardens installation is part of Bolt for the Heart’s broader initiative to build “Save Ready” communities across Indiana, with AEDs placed in parks, trails, and other high-traffic public spaces where quick response can mean the difference between life and death.
Photos provided