AED Information & Locations

Locations of town managed AEDs can be found here.

When Sudden Cardiac Arrest Happens – You can help!Did you know that every day thousands of people suffer sudden cardiac arrest. Would you know what to do if this were happening to someone near you? If you see someone collapse suddenly, check if the victim is responsive. If not, remember these steps:
  1. CHECK the scene for safety, form an initial impression and use personal protective equipment (PPE).
  2. If the person appears unresponsive, CHECK for responsiveness, breathing, life-threatening bleeding or other life-threatening conditions using shout-tap-shout.
  3. If the person does not respond and is not breathing or only gasping, CALL 9-1-1 and get equipment, or tell someone to do so.
  4. Place the person on their back on a firm, flat surface
  5. Give 30 chest compressions • Hand position: Two hands centered on the chest • Body position: Shoulders directly over hands; elbows locked • Depth: At least 2 inches • Rate: 100 to 120 per minute • Allow chest to return to normal position after each compression
  6. Give 2 breaths • Open the airway to a past-neutral position using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique • Ensure each breath lasts about 1 second and makes the chest rise; allow air to exit before giving the next breath Note: If the 1st breath does not cause the chest to rise, retilt the head and ensure a proper seal before giving the 2nd breath If the 2nd breath does not make the chest rise, an object may be blocking the airway
  7. Continue giving sets of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths. Use an AED as soon as one is available!
The Bedford Health Department manages 16 AEDs in town. They are located in the 4 public schools, Town Hall, Town Center, the Library, Old Town Hall and the DPW building. Bedford Public Safety vehicles also carry AEDs and many businesses in town have them as well. The AEDs talk you though the steps for use and will only administer a shock if needed.

Wouldn’t you like to know how to help your friend, neighbor, co-worker or someone suffering from sudden cardiac arrest? You can get trained in CPR and use of an AED. The process for CPR has been significantly simplified and may have changed since you last learned the steps. For more information on CPR and AED training opportunities contact the American Red Cross at https://www.redcross.org/.