An external defibrillator is installed at  Fulton-El Camino Park District’s Howe Park. Ribbon cutters are Matt Ross (left), Emily Ballus, Lydia Wytrzes, Christine Jensen, Project Adam coordinator Rebecca McCormac, Rolundia Mitchell and Richard Goore.

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Thanks to three Rotary clubs, 18 automated external defibrillator (AED) units have recently been installed at public facilities in Sacramento, Carmichael, Elk Grove and Marysville.

The devices can revive heart function in case of cardiac arrest. In compliance with state legislation, similar units must be provided for all youth sport locations in California by 2027. Proven effective in saving lives, an automated external defibrillator costs between $900 and $4,000.

One such device was installed last week near Howe Park’s tennis courts. The donor, Arden Arcade Rotarians, gathered to view demonstrations of its use by a representative of an organization dedicated to preventing cardiac deaths in young people.

Arden Arcade Rotarians and friends provide an external defibrillator at Howe Park.

“Every minute that passes without oxygen being pumped to the brain diminishes a patient’s chance of recovery,” said Project Adam coordinator Rebecca McCormac. “Surveys show one in 300 American children has a heart condition. These often go undiagnosed and can pose risks, especially during athletic activity. That’s why it’s important to have automated external defibrillators where young people gather.”

Designed to be employed without medical training, automated external defibrillators apply electric shock stimulation to the heart after cardiac arrest.

“When available for bystanders to use, these AEDs save lives,” said McCormac. “Days after training in the use of the defibrillator and CPR, Davis High School staff revived a teacher who’d collapsed. They managed to get his heart beating before an ambulance reached the school.”

Arden-Arcade Rotarians Matt Ross and club President Christine Jensen learn live-saving techniques at Howe Park. Project Adam coordinator Rebecca McCormac (right) demonstrates defibrillator use.

Assisted by the Rotary Club of Arden Arcade, Fulton-El Camino and Mission Oaks Park districts have mounted defibrillators at park sports facilities.

Fundraising by Arden Arcade, Elk Grove and Marysville Rotary clubs provided a $42,000 grant for the project. The volunteers hope to continue unit donations in 2026.

“We’re glad to do this for children and the community,” said Arden Arcade Rotary Club President Christine Jensen. “As Rotarians, service above self is central to everything we do.”

Learn about Project Adam programs and the use of automated external defibrillators at health.ucdavis.edu/children/services/project-adam.