Portable Defibrillators Could be Coming to Neighborhood Parks

As 2014-15 budget discussions get underway, recreation director Kevin Ocker is recommending portable defibrillators be made available at all five neighborhood parks in Garden City.

The devices are already located at Stewart Field, the Community Park Clubhouse, the Garden City Pool, the Saint Paul’s recreation complex comfort station, the Saint Paul's Field House, the senior center at Saint Paul’s and the senior center at Golf Club Lane.

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can provide life-saving treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

The units, which run approximately $2,500 each, have been in place for three years at the aforementioned locations but have never had to be used, said Ocker, chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs.

He will be recommending units be available at Edgemere, Nassau Haven, Hemlock, Tullamore and Grove parks. 

Trustee Dennis Donnelly said it's certainly a "desirable goal."

"We should consider that," he said.