The Pelham Fire Department hopes to add more devices around town that could help save lives. They're working on a plan to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public buildings and other locations.
Fire Chief Tim Honeycutt says the city has a small program for public access AEDs, but they need to expand. The city needs to replace older units and add them in more places.
"The need is there, the data is there that supports the quick access to AEDs," Honeycutt said. "And our department is very passionate about that and implementing a program." AEDs can help save lives when available in public places because anyone with the proper training can use them on a person in an emergency situation. Honeycutt says if the program is implemented the fire department will offer regular training courses to the public. And they want to put the devices in public buildings like city hall and the police department, along with the city park, the Pelham Golf Course, the tennis center and the racquet club. They also plan to have one in each of the police department's squad cars.