Kincaid Park gets state's first outdoor defibrillator
The device was awarded to Anchorage after the city recorded the highest number of registered AEDs per capita in the U.S. last October.
By Alejandro Brooks ·
Anchorage Fire Department officials noted that the city registered more automatic external defibrillators per capita than any other location in the United States during October 2025. This record earned the municipality the state's first outdoor SaveStation, a unit housing an AED specifically designed for emergency use in public parks.
The new station is installed at the nordic stadium in Kincaid Park. It is accessible to the public 24 hours a day. The equipment can deliver an electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest. Dr. Michael Levy, the department's medical consultant, emphasized that survival odds depend on immediate action. He stated that early CPR buys time and early defibrillation saves lives, adding that neither can wait for an ambulance to arrive.
Mayor Suzanne LaFrance explained that Kincaid Park was selected because it sees consistent activity year-round. The site is also several miles from the nearest fire station. At a commissioning ceremony, the mayor said residents and visitors now have access to a critical tool whether they are skiing, running, biking, or attending events.
The city received the outdoor unit as part of a prize from PulsePoint. Along with the SaveStation, Anchorage was awarded five additional indoor AEDs. Fire Chief Doug Schrage said the department intends to expand the number of outdoor stations. He noted that crews are currently identifying appropriate locations across the community for future installations.
Source: KAUU
