Spokane: First AED coming to Dwight Merkel, thanks to Project 100 donation
Washingtoner/10288788

~ Spokane, Wash. - The Dwight Merkel Sports Complex will be receiving its first Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 11 a.m. thanks to the efforts of Project 100. The AED will be formally unveiled during a brief ceremony at the complex, which is expected to be bustling with tournaments and recreational play that day.

According to Project 100, sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of age or health. In these situations, every second counts and every minute without help decreases the chances of survival by 10%. However, with prompt CPR and AED use, the survival rate can double or even triple.

The new AED will be available 24/7 and will be located near the restroom building in a SaveStation cabinet. This cabinet includes heating and ventilation for year-round use, as well as an alarm, built-in camera, and 24/7 monitoring. The AED itself is a Zoll 3 model that is designed to be user-friendly with step-by-step verbal instructions.

"We are grateful to Project 100 for their donation of the SaveStation wall mount and AED," said Garrett Jones, director of City of Spokane Parks & Recreation. "Having life-saving equipment like this available at our sports complexes could make all the difference in saving someone's life."

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The importance of having AEDs readily available in public spaces has been emphasized by experts like Jonathan Drezner, director of the Center for Sports Cardiology at the University of Washington. "Increased AED access will ultimately save lives," he stated.

This donation from Project 100 is part of their larger goal to equip all sports fields in Washington with AEDs. The organization is a collective effort between UW Medicine Center for Sports Cardiology, Nick of Time Foundation, DP Foundation, Medic One Foundation, King County Public Health, Resuscitation Academy, and volunteer medical professionals.

In addition to the AED at Dwight Merkel, other Spokane Parks locations that currently have AEDs include all six aquatic centers, all four golf courses, Riverfront Park, and Manito Park. The City of Spokane Parks & Recreation and Project 100 have a goal of placing AEDs at all City sports complexes, including Franklin Park, Southeast Sports Complex, and a second one on the north side of Merkel near the softball fields.

For more information about Project 100 and their efforts to increase AED access in Washington state, please visit their website. To learn more about City of Spokane Parks & Recreation and their mission to improve the health and quality of life for the community through recreation opportunities, visit spokaneparks.org or follow them on social media @SpokaneParks.

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