For Immediate Release: October 15, 2026

Contact: Savanna Fettig

                 260-420-6500

TRAA Partners with Summit CPR & Safety to Give Away an AED in Recognition of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

Fort Wayne, IN (October 15, 2026)— In recognition of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, TRAA is partnering with Summit CPR & Safety to give away a free automated external defibrillator (AED) and encourage local businesses, schools, churches, organizations, and facilities to take steps toward improving cardiac emergency preparedness.

This giveaway is part of TRAA’s The Heartbeat Starts Here initiative, a community-wide effort utilizing NEAR / PulsePoint to increase AED accessibility, registration, and sudden cardiac arrest awareness throughout Fort Wayne. When sudden cardiac arrest happens, every second matters. Having an AED nearby gives ordinary people the opportunity to take lifesaving action before emergency responders arrive. 

Throughout October, the organizations are encouraging community members to not only understand the importance of CPR and AEDs but also ensure existing AEDs are registered with the National Emergency AED + Resource (NEAR) Registry, helping emergency responders and 911 telecommunicators locate lifesaving equipment when seconds matter.

“Summit CPR & Safety is a local company, and we love supporting our community. We’re thrilled to team up with TRAA to give away an AED and help make lifesaving equipment more accessible. This is something we’re passionate about,” said Alison Russell of Summit CPR & Safety.

Helping Communities Locate Lifesaving Equipment

An AED can be a critical tool in responding to sudden cardiac arrest, but its location must be known for it to be accessible during an emergency. Registering an AED with the NEAR Registry helps make its location available to community responders and 911 telecommunicators.

Businesses, schools, churches, community organizations, and other facilities that have an AED are encouraged to take a few minutes to register their device and help improve emergency preparedness throughout the community.

Registration Information

For more information and to register for this giveaway please visit www.traa-ems.com