Outdoor “Save Stations” Installed at Coon Rapids High School Athletic Fields

Outdoor “Save Stations” Installed at Coon Rapids High School Athletic Fields

Coon Rapids High School (CRHS) has enhanced the safety of its athletic fields with the installation of two outdoor “Save Stations”—each equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The life-saving equipment was made possible through a collaborative partnership between Advanced First Aid, the nonprofit organization Play for Patrick, and the Coon Rapids Fire Department Community Fund.

Installed this fall, the new Save Stations provide immediate access to AEDs for athletes, spectators, and community members using the school’s athletic facilities. These weather-protected, publicly accessible devices can make a critical difference in emergencies involving sudden cardiac arrest, when every second counts.

“This initiative underscores a shared community commitment to preparedness for cardiac emergencies,” said representatives from the Coon Rapids Fire Department Community Fund. “Having AEDs readily available in high-activity areas like sports fields can truly save lives.”

Community Partnership for a Heart-Safe City

The installation at CRHS aligns with Heart Safe Coon Rapids, a citywide program that promotes CPR/AED training and public access to defibrillators. Coon Rapids was the first city in Anoka County to receive the Heart Safe Community designation, reflecting its dedication to cardiac emergency readiness.

To date, the city reports training more than 30,000 residents in CPR/AED use, with over 60 local businesses and organizations participating in the program. The addition of AED-equipped Save Stations at CRHS represents another important step in expanding that reach.

About the Partners

Advanced First Aid is a Minnesota-based company specializing in AED distribution, emergency preparedness, and first-aid training. The organization actively supports community safety through equipment donations and training initiatives.

Play for Patrick, officially known as the Patrick Schoonover Heart Foundation, was founded in memory of 14-year-old Patrick Schoonover, who tragically passed away from sudden cardiac arrest during a youth hockey game. The foundation’s mission is to prevent similar tragedies by raising awareness, hosting youth heart screenings, and increasing AED accessibility in schools and athletic facilities.

The Coon Rapids Fire Department Community Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supports community well-being through education, emergency preparedness, and partnerships that enhance public safety.

Expanding Access, Saving Lives

With sudden cardiac arrest remaining a leading cause of death in Minnesota, early CPR and immediate defibrillation can more than double or triple survival rates, according to the American Heart Association. By placing AEDs in accessible outdoor locations, community partners are helping ensure that lifesaving tools are within reach when needed most.

The new Save Stations at Coon Rapids High School not only serve students and athletes but also stand as a testament to the community’s ongoing investment in public safety, health awareness, and lifesaving readiness.

For more information on the Heart Safe Coon Rapids initiative, visit coonrapidsmn.gov.

MinneapoliMedia