San Diego Monday marked the 20th anniversary of its Project Heart Beat program, intended to increase access to automated external defibrillators across the city, teach people how to use AEDs, ways to recognize cardiac distress and how to potentially save someone’s life.
AEDs are portable devices that, when used in tandem with CPR, can help keep a person alive until further medical assistance arrives.
“We are very proud to celebrate this milestone anniversary with San Diego Project Heart Beat,” said Chief Colin Stowell of the city’s Fire-Rescue Department. “Project Heart Beat has made a tremendous difference in saving lives by giving San Diegans the tools and education they need to properly respond in the event they are with someone who experiences sudden cardiac arrest.”
Began in November 2001, the program’s initial goal was to place at least 250 AED units throughout San Diego ahead of the 2003 Super Bowl that attracted hundreds of thousands of out-of-town visitors. According to the city, the program dramatically exceeded expectations and nearly 800 AED units were installed.
As of 2021, Project Heart Beat has helped place more than 9,500 AEDs throughout the region. The program has been responsible for saving nearly 200 lives since its inception, according to a city statement.
Program Manager Maureen O’Connor, EMT for San Diego Fire-Rescue, has been the tip of the spear for the program. For the past 20 years, she has worked alongside volunteer AED advocates to educate San Diegans about how to save people experiencing cardiac arrest.
“When cardiac arrest happens, every second counts,” said O’Connor. “Quick recognition, swift response and having an AED nearby can be the difference between life and death.”
Cities in Florida, Tennessee, Minnesota and Nevada have replicated San Diego’s Project Heart Beat.
To learn more about the program and request to have an AED installed, visit sandiego.gov/sdprojectheartbeat.
