ORLANDO, Fla. – A new initiative in Orlando is increasing access to life-saving devices. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are now being installed on LYNX LYMMO buses.
AEDs, commonly found in workplaces, are now available on 15 LYNX LYMMO buses in downtown Orlando through a partnership with AdventHealth.
The initiative aims to enhance public safety by providing immediate assistance in cardiac emergencies.
“People have a greater chance of survival and can survive with immediate CPR, immediate use of the AED,” Orlando Fire Department EMT Benigno Sevilla said.
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The AEDs are located in a cabinet behind the driver and come with easy-to-follow instructions, making them accessible to anyone in a crisis.
“The AED itself will talk to you and, through pictures, describe to you how to use them,” Dr. Patricia Guerrero said.
Dr. Guerrero shared a personal connection to the importance of AEDs as her husband died of cardiac arrest 25 years ago.
“My first husband and I were on vacation in a very remote place,” she recalled. “There was a single AED on the entire island, so it took over an hour for an AED to arrive. So unfortunately he did pass.”
While overcoming the pain of losing a loved one, Dr. Guerrero said she is committed to spreading cardiovascular awareness to save lives.
“Time is of the essence. The quicker we act, the more successful we will be,” she said.