04/08/2026
AMR Expands Access to Lifesaving AEDs Across Josephine County
Community organizations are invited to apply as American Medical Response donates six AEDs to help strengthen emergency response before first responders arrive.
JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. (April 6, 2026) — When sudden cardiac arrest strikes, access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) can mean the difference between life and death. Early defibrillation
dramatically improves outcomes, increasing a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival up to 74 percent when an AED is used within the first three minutes—a critical, and small window of time that often occurs before first responders arrive. Recognizing the need to have AEDs more readily available to the public, American Medical Response Josephine County (AMR) is expanding access to lifesaving care by donating six AEDs directly to community organizations across Josephine County.
“Having AEDs available in community spaces gives people the ability to act immediately, before EMS arrives,” said Dave Mathews, operations manager for AMR Josephine County. “By donating these devices directly to organizations that need them most, we’re helping close gaps in response and giving more people a real chance at survival.”
As part of this community safety initiative, AMR will place AEDs with local agencies, nonprofits, and organizations that do not currently have access to the devices or face barriers to obtaining them. AMR is also partnering with the Josephine County Public Health, which will provide Stop the Bleed kits to go along with the AEDs, strengthening the county’s ability to respond to both cardiac and traumatic emergencies.
🚨Why AED Access Matters in Josephine County⁉️
In rural and semirural areas like parts of Josephine County, onsite AEDs play a critical role by bridging the gap between collapse and EMS arrival, saving valuable minutes when every second counts. Modern AEDs are designed to be used by untrained bystanders and provide clear, step-by-step voice instructions, making them accessible in public settings.
🚨Building on Proven Local Success‼️
This initiative builds upon strong cardiac arrest outcomes already being achieved in Josephine County. According to data from the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES), patients treated for cardiac arrest in Josephine County experience survival rates more than 40 percent higher than the national average.
That success reflects a system built on early action — including bystander response, rapid AED use, and coordinated emergency care. Expanding access to AEDs in the community is a proven way to strengthen those outcomes even further.
🚨How the Program Works⁉️
Beginning April 1, community organizations are invited to apply for an AED. Devices will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis after review of applications and delivered in mid-May. The application process will help identify organizations with the greatest need and readiness, including:
• Whether an AED is already available on site
• The number of people the device would serve
• Whether the organization has other means to obtain an AED
Each AED will be provided in person with maintenance guidance and documentation, allowing AMR first responders to engage directly with recipient organizations to reinforce the importance of preparedness and training.
🚨Stop the Bleed Kits and Training‼️
In addition to AEDs, participating organizations will receive Stop the Bleed kits donated by the Josephine County Public Health. These are compact, specialized kits designed to control severe
bleeding and treat traumatic injuries. Stop the Bleed kits are increasingly placed alongside AEDs in public locations and address one of the leading causes of preventable death following injury.
AMR will also provide AED, CPR, and Stop the Bleed education, ensuring recipient organizations are equipped not only with tools, but with the knowledge to use them effectively.
🚨A Community Centered Approach‼️
AMR, part of Global Medical Response, has a long history of supporting community safety in Josephine County through public education, large event medical support, and free compression only CPR training. Expanding AED access is a natural extension of that commitment.
🚨How to Apply⁉️
To apply for an AED, please complete the following application and submit to [email protected] by 5 p.m. on April 24, 2026. Local agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations are encouraged to apply.https://jocoems.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Public-AED-Application.pdf
For more information, contact Operations Supervisor Randy Newell at [email protected].
