Dubuque Begins Installation of Life-Saving AEDs in Public Spaces

The City of Dubuque has just announced a new public safety project that aims to put automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, in several city parks and public areas. AEDs are portable devices that can analyze a person’s heart rhythm and deliver a shock if needed during a sudden cardiac arrest. These devices are designed to be used by bystanders with little or no medical training. Even better, they give voice and text instructions that walk a person through the steps to assist someone in a cardiac emergency.

Get our free mobile app

AEDs are now increasingly placed in public locations across the United States because early defibrillation can dramatically improve survival in a cardiac arrest. Immediate use of CPR and an AED can double or even triple a victim’s chance of survival a cardiac event.

The initial installations in Dubuque parks are already complete at Comiskey, Mircale League Park, and Dubuque's arboretum. The Dubuque Fire Department worked with Parks and Recreation to install the first cabinets, assuring they are easy to spot if needed.

A quick note for all residents: when someone needs an AED, they must first call 9‑1‑1. The dispatcher will then provide a code to unlock the cabinet so the AED can be used, with the device guiding the user through operation until emergency professionals respond.

“Bystanders with little or even no training can be confident they’ll be able to effectively use the AED because the device walks them through the entire process.”

-Jeff Pregler, Dubuque Fire Department Medical Officer

Eleven cabinets have been purchased so far, with plans to add more by the summer. Park locations were chosen based on medical response data from the local fire departments. Other deciding factors include population patterns, demographic information, and locations where AEDs were currently available.

Current and Planned AED Locations in Dubuque Parks:

• Comiskey Park, 255 E. 24th St. (available now)
• Miracle League Park, 2790 Miracle League Dr. (available now)
• Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, 3800 Arboretum Dr. (available now)
• Eagle Point Park, 2601 Shiras Ave.
• Jackson Park, 1500 Main St.
• Jefferson Park, 665 University Ave.
• Mississippi Riverwalk, 600 Bell St.
• Orange Park, 1801 Washington St.
• Near the public restroom at the intersection of 4th St. and Bluff St.

Projects like this make important life‑saving equipment accessible at public spaces and encourages community readiness for cardiac emergencies. It's just one more way our City of Dubuque is adding an important layer of safety for residents and visitors to our public spaces.