Through a collaborative effort involving many, and the legwork of Branford’s Board of Recreation, accessible automated external defibrillator (AED) stations are being added to Branford athletic fields and parks as well at passive recreation sites including the Branford town green.

The first unit has been installed at Hammer Field, with other AED units set to be placed at many more locations including Foote Park, Sliney Field, Veterans Memorial Park, Branford Point, Flaxmill Field, Stony Creek, Young’s Park, the Town Green, and the Branford High School athletic field. A unit is also set to be installed at the pending improved Walsh Intermediate School athletic field.

Simple directions for effective use are posted with every unit. Branford Parks and Recreation and Branford Fire Department will also offer training for use.

Without access to a life-saving AED, risks rise by the minute for a person in cardiac distress. That’s why so many towns, including Branford, have AED installions at the ready inside some public buildings. However, that access ends when the building is closed. Branford First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove said that’s an important point.

“We have one when you come in Town Hall. But just think about the number of events that we have on the green when Town Hall is closed. There’s an important need to have them where the activity is occurring, where these unfortunate events often occur,” said Cosgrove.

Assistant Fire Chief Brian Koczak said early defibrillation is critical to saving a life. Koczak said 9 out of 10 people will survive cardiac arrest if they receive defibrillation within the first minute. He said 15% of cardiac events that are outside of the hospital happen within a public setting.

“For every minute that goes by, someone loses ten percent of their chance to survive,” said Koczak. “What this does for us is it fills the gap from the time 911 is activated until we arrive, which is four minutes; or sometimes, more. This creates a better chance for survivability for people who suffer a cardiac event out in these fields. It’s a benefit to have these here.”

In recognition of this effort crossing the finish line, on Feb. 14, Koczak and Cosgrove joined a large group representing the effort’s coalition of town and organizational representatives. The group gathered at the Branford Community House. February is the American Heart Association’s (AHA) National Heart Month.

Recreation Board Chairman Paul Criscuolo credited active community member and elected official Judy Barron, a former RTM member and current Board of Education member, with spearheading the idea for outdoor AED stations in Branford and helping to bring it to the board.

“The Board of Recreation took Judy’s suggestion and ran with it,” said Criscuolo. “We investigated the products that were available and decided to purchase the units from Defibtech, a local company.”

Located in Branford, North Branford, and Guilford, Defibtech manufactures and distributes AED devices. Criscuolo also thanked Branford resident and Defibtech Senior Vice President of Operations, A.J. Pace, for his involvement and participation in the process.

Wallingford resident and Defibtech Manager of Community Relations Mike Papale was 17 years old when he went into sudden cardiac arrest and was saved by an AED. Like many youth who appear to be perfectly healthy and receive regular check-ups, Papale’s cardiac arrest was caused by an undiagnosed heart disease.

In August of 2006, Papale was assisting a basketball camp in Wallingford’s recreation building when he went into cardiac arrest.

“I was just sitting down in the bleachers, and fell forward in cardiac arrest,” said Papale. “At that time, the AEDs weren’t as prevalent as they are now, and they didn’t have one in the building.”

An arriving ambulance delivered the CPR and quick shock from an AED to save his life.

“My survival rate was low, because there was not an AED accessible,” he said. “Having these readily available, and not locked in buildings at night, is going to improve the chances of survival.”

Following his lifesaving episode, Papalas became involved with AHA advocacy and, with his family, founded non-profit “In a Heartbeat.” The non-profit, which donates AEDs to communities, researched manufacturers from across the country and selected Defibtech. Several years later, when an opening developed, Defibtech tapped Papale to be its community relations manager.

“It aligns really well for me, because Defibtech is so mission driven and we love supporting the local communities. Our mission is to help save lives from sudden cardiac arrest,” said Papalas.

Branford resident Elaine Mcleod made a point of attending the Feb. 14 event because of the value she recognizes in this program, she said. Her life was saved by an AED in 2014, after she went into cardiac arrest while attending a Boy Scout event.

“When I needed one, they didn’t have an AED at the venue, but there was an electrician who was at the event who carried one in his car to his job sites. He ran out and got it, and I survived,” said Mcleod. “I came here because I had to say thank you. I think it’s a wonderful thing that they’re doing.”

Defibtech worked with Branford to deliver AEDs which have been funded through a combination of the generosity of the Branford community, Parks and Recreation budget funds, and support from Branford Community Foundation (BCF) and GSB, said Criscuolo.

BCF Executive Director Liza Petra said hearing the stories of those whose lives were saved by an AED underscores the importance of this collaborative effort.

“We’re just so grateful to be able to help support the community,” said Petra.

GSB Director of Community Engagement Shalonta Ford congratulated the board and Branford for its work to bring the critical medical equipment to more locations in town.

“GSB is proud to support the town through the Branford Community Foundation. The foundation’s contribution helps ensure residents have easier access to these devices in 17 locations across town,” said Ford.

Criscuolo thanked BCF and GSB for supporting the program. Criscuolo also recognized the support of Branford Parks and Recreation Director Alex Palluzzi Jr., assistant director Dale Izzo, members of the Branford Board of Education, Branford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Christopher Tranberg, Police Chief Jonathan Mulhern, Fire Chief Thomas Mahoney, and Branford’s elected officials.

“This is another example of how good ideas can become reality when Branford pulls for a common cause,“ said Criscuolo. ”The effort of Branford people helping their neighbors is what makes Branford such a wonderful and caring community.“