Dickinson registers more than 150 AEDs, explores Cardiac Ready Community designation

Courtesy / Mihajlo Maricic, Getty Images By Press Staff Today at 2:32 PM Listen Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? DICKINSON — More than 150 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) were registered in Dickinson during October's Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, marking progress toward strengthening emergency preparedness and exploring a Cardiac Ready Community designation. With support from a Bush Foundation Change Network Collaborator Grant, Women Empowering Women hosted a community discussion Sept. 23, bringing together 23 representatives from law enforcement, the fire department, 911 dispatch services, emergency medical services, health care providers and other organizations. ADVERTISEMENT The discussion focused on requirements for obtaining the designation through North Dakota Health and Human Services, identifying existing strengths, opportunities for improvement and potential next steps. One priority was increasing AED registrations throughout Dickinson. During October, local organizations and community members collaborated to register more than 150 additional devices in the National Emergency AED + Resource (NEAR) Registry. The registry provides centralized information about AED locations and other lifesaving emergency supplies, helping 911 dispatchers identify nearby devices and direct callers to them during cardiac emergencies. Pat Billings, a CHI St. Alexius nurse educator and Women Empowering Women board member, spearheaded the registration initiative. "When someone goes into cardiac arrest, seconds matter. Having an AED nearby can make a difference, but people need to know where those devices are. Getting more than 150 additional AEDs registered in October is a big step for Dickinson," Billings said. Women Empowering Women plans to continue collaborating with community partners to identify gaps, strengthen emergency response resources and improve public readiness as Dickinson explores the designation. ADVERTISEMENT Read more local news and sports Dozens gather to support Southwest Art Gallery & Science Center's annual gala 3h ago Clock strikes midnight for DSU in loss to Montana Tech 4h ago NAIA expands eligibility to five seasons 4h ago Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags DICKINSON NORTH DAKOTA HEALTH EMERGENCY SERVICES PEOPLE By Press Staff The Dickinson Press is southwest ND's community-driven, professional and hyper-local newspaper since 1883. Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next Local Women Empowering Women launches annual holiday drive for elderly women, pursues community programs 3d ago · By Kelly Harju Prep Blue Hawks look to turn late-season surge into postseason berth 3d ago · By Carter Dooner Local Dickinson City Commission reviews EMS update and 2024 audit report 3d ago · By Dorvall Bedford ADVERTISEMENT Get Local Must Reads Prep The Dickinson Press - Area Athletics, Nov 6, 2026 2d ago · By Carter Dooner Local Police Blotter: Criminal mischief, stolen vehicle, sexual assault 3d ago · By Press Staff Prep Mavericks face undefeated Kindred with Dakota Bowl berth on the line 4d ago · By Carter Dooner Local Dunn County Commission recognizes JDA Director, Road Superintendent criticizes The Dickinson Press 4d ago · By Dorvall Bedford