This type of AED system is specifically designed to withstand extreme weather, including rain, heat, and freezing temperatures. The cabinet is bright yellow, highly visible, and extremely durable—it has even been tested to withstand impact from baseball bats. The AED inside is simple and intuitive to use, requiring no prior training. It provides voice-guided instructions that walk users through the steps of CPR and defibrillation. The AED can be accessed by calling 911, and the dispatcher will give the caller a three-digit code. Then, after typing the code, the box will open and get access to the AED. 

In the event of a cardiac emergency, here's how the process works:

1. Witness someone collapse.

2. Check for a pulse.

3. If there is no pulse, begin CPR.

4. Call 911 and stay on the line with dispatch.

5. Retrieve the AED from the cabinet. (The dispatcher will provide the access code.)

6. Return to the individual, turn on the AED.

7. Follow the device’s prompts (place pads, analyze heart rhythm, deliver shock if needed).

8. Continue CPR if advised, until emergency services arrive.

9. Remain on the phone with dispatch throughout the process.

Time is critical in these situations. Survival rates can exceed 70% if defibrillation is administered within the first 3–5 minutes of a cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, as Falls City operates a volunteer ambulance squad, response times can sometimes take up to 10 minutes. Every minute without an AED decreases the chance of survival by 10%.

The city raised enough money for not just one, but two all-weather AEDs in Falls City! One AED will at Grandview Park and the other will at Dallas Memorial Park