Fort Worth, Texas – The American Heart Association is advancing a major public safety effort in Tarrant County by helping equip patrol vehicles operated by the Fort Worth Police Department with automated external defibrillators, commonly known as AEDs. The initiative aims to expand community access to lifesaving technology while supporting the association’s national goal of doubling survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030. The effort also supports its Nation of Lifesavers initiative, which seeks to ensure that anyone, anywhere, is prepared and empowered to act during a cardiac emergency.
In January, the Fort Worth City Council approved acceptance of a donation from the American Heart Association to equip patrol vehicles with AED devices. Funding for the donation was made possible through support from local institutions, including the Amon G. Carter Foundation. Their early commitment encouraged additional partners to join the effort, including the Sid W. Richardson Foundation and BNSF Railway. BNSF has been among the earliest supporters of the Nation of Lifesavers initiative nationwide, including the local project in Fort Worth.
A Community Driven Plan to Strengthen Survival Response
Tarrant County is one of only three pilot markets in the United States selected to establish a Nation of Lifesavers Committee. The committee works to unite leaders from education, healthcare, public safety, and business sectors to coordinate local strategies and strengthen the chain of survival in emergency situations.
The concept of placing AEDs in patrol vehicles emerged during a committee working session, where members explored practical ways to reduce response times and improve survival rates from cardiac arrest. Participants identified equipping patrol cars as a high-impact solution that could significantly strengthen Fort Worth’s emergency response system. Committee members collaborate closely with American Heart Association staff and include representatives from school districts, public safety agencies, healthcare organizations, and local businesses…