Flagler County replaces older AEDs

Published on August 27, 2026

August 27, 2026 – Flagler County has replaced existing, older AED defibrillators with new ones that are compatible with the cardiac monitors carried on Fire Rescue’s ambulances and engines. AEDs in outdoor areas like Wadsworth Park, for example, also have locked cabinets that require calling 911 for a code to access the medical equipment.

“Having compatible defibrillator pads is significant,” said Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker. “It saves time – and potentially lives – because it eliminates the need of either putting a second set of pads on the patient or replacing the pads altogether so we can hook them up to our monitors. Having to call 911 for the access code is largely seamless with making the 911 for emergency medical response.”

Fire Rescue went before the Board of County Commissioner to ask for the funding to replace the current AED defibrillators because they were about 20 years old.

“While we have a keen eye for keeping a tight budget, public health is always at the forefront of what we do,” said Chair Leann Pennington. “It’s great to have equipment that matches what Fire Rescue is using in their vehicles.”

The responsibility of caring for the county’s AEDs has recently shifted to Fire Rescue.

“We are better equipped to properly track, monitor, and replace items as needed, like defibrillator pads and batteries,” Tucker said. “It is more efficient for us to handle this task.”

Fire Rescue will continue to assess the need for AEDs in other locations as funding becomes available, whether by grant or county funding.    

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