SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Thanks to three Rotary clubs, 18 automated external defibrillator (AED) units have recently been installed at public facilities in Sacramento, Carmichael, Elk Grove and Marysville.

The devices can revive heart function in case of cardiac arrest. In compliance with state legislation, similar units must be provided for all youth sport locations in California by 2027. Proven effective in saving lives, an automated external defibrillator costs between $900 and $4,000.

One such device was installed recently near Howe Park’s tennis courts. The donor, Arden Arcade Rotarians, gathered to view demonstrations of its use by a representative of an organization dedicated to preventing cardiac deaths in young people. 

“Every minute that passes without oxygen being pumped to the brain diminishes a patient’s chance of recovery,” said Project Adam coordinator Rebecca McCormac. “Surveys show one in 300 American children has a heart condition. These often go undiagnosed and can pose risks, especially during athletic activity. That’s why it’s important to have automated external defibrillators where young people gather.”

Designed to be employed without medical training, automated external defibrillators apply electric shock stimulation to the heart after cardiac arrest.

“When available for bystanders to use, these AEDs save lives,” said McCormac. “Days after training in the use of the defibrillator and CPR, Davis High School staff revived a teacher who’d collapsed. They managed to get his heart beating before an ambulance reached the school.”

Assisted by the Rotary Club of Arden Arcade, Fulton-El Camino and Mission Oaks Park districts have mounted defibrillators at park sports facilities.

Fundraising by Arden Arcade, Elk Grove and Marysville Rotary clubs provided a $42,000 grant for the project. The volunteers hope to continue unit donations in 2026.

“We’re glad to do this for children and the community,” said Arden Arcade Rotary Club President Christine Jensen. “As Rotarians, service above self is central to everything we do.”

The Cosumnes Community Services District announced a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, May 20 at 10 a.m. at Rotary Grove in Elk Grove Park for the installation of the new AEDs that were installed in CCSD parks. 

The event will also commemorate the two-year anniversary of the sudden cardiac arrest of Sacramento native Joe Ellis, who will also speak at the event. 

“It’s surreal to mark this two-year anniversary knowing these AEDs could be what helps save another life,” said Ellis. “Quick action and the right tools saved my life, and I'm grateful others in this community will now have that same chance.”

Cosumnes CSD has installed a heated AED cabinet along with a Stop the Bleed rapid response kit at Rotary Grove in Elk Grove Park. Additional AEDs are being installed at Bartholomew Sports Park and Laguna Community Park, two of the District’s busiest parks that host numerous sporting events and activities year-round. 

“Rotary is all about serving our community,” said Steve Jones, president of the Rotary Club of Elk Grove. “Helping fund AEDs in parks is an investment in public safety and in every person who visits these spaces. We're proud to be part of something that could save lives.”

Learn about Project Adam programs and the use of automated external defibrillators at health.ucdavis.edu/children/services/project-adam.

City Editor Sean P. Thomas contributed to this story.