Media Contact:

Kellie Stickney

Communications Program Manager

kstickney@kirklandwa.gov

(425) 979-6562

KIRKLAND, Wash. – The Kirkland Fire Department has launched a pilot program to provide free lifesaving Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) to qualified organizations in Kirkland.



The AED Grant Program, which was originally initiated by the Kirkland City Council, is intended to place AEDs with organizations in the community that would have the greatest likelihood of providing members of the public with access to these lifesaving tools. Public access to AEDs bridges the gap from the time of collapse to the arrival of the Kirkland Fire Department’s resources.



“We know that having an AED onsite when a person experiences a cardiac event drastically increases their chances for survival,” said Chief Joe Sanford. “We are grateful that the City Council has provided the Fire Department with this opportunity to get more of these devices out in our community.”



Any business or non-profit organization can apply to receive an AED through the pilot program. Applications and an AED agreement form are available on the City website at: http://bit.ly/KirklandAEDGrant. For more information about the program or the application process, please contact Joel Bodenman, EMS Captain, at jbodeman@kirklandwa.gov.

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