Pittsburgh Installed First Outdoor AED at City Park
The city unveiled a publicly accessible defibrillator at Frankie Pace Park to aid during cardiac emergencies.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Heart Disease
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Pittsburgh officials have installed the city's first outdoor automated external defibrillator at Frankie Pace Park in the Lower Hill District. The device is housed in an alarmed display case and is available for public use 24 hours a day.
Why it matters
The installation aims to increase public access to essential lifesaving technology during critical cardiac events. This move follows historical community efforts to improve emergency response in the area.
The new unit is available 24 hours a day and features an alarm-equipped, weather-resistant display case. Standard ZOLL AEDs typically retail for around $2,000.
The players
ZOLL Medical
The company is a manufacturer of medical devices and software solutions that help advance emergency care and save lives.
Freedom House Ambulance Service
Established in the Hill District, this service was a pioneering emergency medical provider that set early standards for paramedic training.
The details
The device is stored in a white-and-red case and provides automated voice instructions that guide users through the process of calling 911. This equipment was provided through donations from ZOLL Medical, SaveStation, and Every Second Counts CPR.
Timeline
The Freedom House Ambulance Service launched in the Hill District 60 years ago.
Ed Kosiec collapsed and survived cardiac arrest in 2019.
City officials unveiled the outdoor AED at Frankie Pace Park on October 14, 2026.
Health Landscape
This project continues the local legacy of the Freedom House Ambulance Service, which pioneered emergency response techniques in this neighborhood decades ago. The rollout represents an evolution in public health strategy by placing critical medical tools directly into the community space.
Residents in the Lower Hill District and visitors to Frankie Pace Park now have immediate access to a defibrillator during cardiac emergencies. Users should follow the automated voice prompts provided by the device while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
The takeaway
Cardiac survival rates often depend on the immediate availability of defibrillation before professional help arrives. Locating public AEDs in frequently visited areas provides a critical bridge between collapse and advanced medical care.
Further reading
Learn more about local cardiac safety efforts at Heart Disease.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TribLIVE.
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Do you support installing more emergency medical devices like defibrillators in public parks near you?
