Partnership for Heart Safety: Naperville Groups Offer Discounted AEDs and Training to Businesses

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — A new initiative aims to increase the number of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in local businesses and boost community awareness about the life-saving capabilities of these devices. Recognized at Naperville City Council on Jan. 16, the Naperville Fire Department, the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC), the Naperville Citizens Appreciate Public Safety (CAPS) organization, and the Rotary Club of Naperville have joined together to create a special program called “Make Naperville a Cardiac Conscious Community.”

Cardiac emergencies are unpredictable, and the immediate availability of an AED can be a life-saving factor. The Naperville Fire Department has been actively monitoring AEDs around the city, mainly in public buildings. Addressing this need, the NACC, CAPS, and Rotary have come together for this extensive public information campaign.

"The absence of AEDs in private businesses is concerning," said Naperville Fire Department Chief Mark Puknaitis. "By increasing access to AEDs and educating people on their use, we can greatly improve our community's emergency response capabilities and potentially save lives. AEDs are essential for saving lives and making them more accessible and familiar to our community is our goal."

This limited-time promotion gives businesses the chance to purchase AEDs for $500 (compared to $2,000 retail); including complimentary on-site training provided by the Naperville Fire Department. The training is essential to preparing staff members to respond confidently and effectively in emergency situations.

"This is an incredible chance for local businesses to improve their emergency preparedness at a great discount," said Kaylin Risvold, President, and CEO of the NACC. "By increasing the number of AEDs and training more people in their use, we're making our community safer. This initiative is about more than just supplying AEDs; it’s about ensuring that people know where they are and how simple they are to use. Together, we're committed to safety and taking care of each other."

Naperville businesses and organizations are encouraged to seize this opportunity within the month of February, as this program is limited to the first 20 registrants. Show your dedication to the safety and well-being of the community by contacting NFDPublicEducation@naperville.il.us.

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 145,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.