Volunteers Map 1,500 AEDs in Boston To Help Cardiac Arrest Victims

A nationwide volunteer effort is underway to catalog automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in restaurants, bars, and shops and upload the data to a national database used by first responders.

This initiative, led by Cardiac Crusade, aims to map AEDs across cities to help first responders locate devices quickly during emergencies. On Sunday, March 29, the Boston chapter of Cardiac Crusade celebrated a milestone by mapping 1,500 AEDs around the city.

“People don't know commonly where an AED is, and you need to get that shock from an AED because it's the only thing that will restart the heart,” co-founder Greg Coon said in a statement shared with Boston 25 News. “Knowing where the AEDs are located is literally saving lives.”

Coon created Cardiac Crusade after his wife, Julie, survived a cardiac event thanks to an AED and CPR, fueling the drive to save lives.

Cardiac arrest survivor Matt Critz stressed that quickly finding an AED can be lifesaving, particularly since he owes his life to one. “Life is precious, and it can change so quickly,” he said. “What would be worse than watching a loved one die in front of you because you don't have the ability to save them?”

Survival rates for cardiac arrest vary by location. According to the Boston 25 News report, Eastern Massachusetts sees very low rates (around 3%). In cities like San Diego, California, where AED mapping has been implemented, the survival rate is approximately 50%.

Coon is seeking partnerships with technology platforms such as Google and Apple Maps to display AED locations on smartphones for rapid access to the devices during emergencies.