SHALER HAMPTON EMS – AEDS IN TOWNSHIP PARKS

Shaler Hampton EMS Director Eric Schmidt, Township Manager Judy Kording, and Commissioner Bill Cross announced the installation of 12 AEDs in 10 Township parks on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

On any given day, Shaler Township’s parks are filled with activity—families gathering, children playing, and neighbors enjoying the outdoors. Now, those same parks are also equipped with something even more powerful: the ability to save a life.

In a partnership between Shaler Township and Shaler Hampton EMS, a network of advanced automated external defibrillators (AEDs) has been installed across 10 community parks. These devices are designed for anyone, providing step-by-step voice instructions to help a bystander respond to a sudden cardiac arrest.

Why It Matters

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, often without warning. When it does, time is everything. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, the chance of survival drops significantly.

By placing AEDs directly in parks—where people live, play, and gather—Shaler is bringing lifesaving care closer to the moment it’s needed most. The goal is simple: get an AED to a patient in 4 minutes or less, before emergency crews arrive.

Smart Technology, Simple Use

These are not just standard AEDs. The devices include advanced features that guide users through the entire process, even if they’ve never done CPR before.

When the pads are applied, the system will automatically notify Shaler Hampton EMS & Allegheny County 911 and transmit the device’s exact location. That means help is already on the way while a bystander is actively providing care.

Each unit is housed in a clearly marked, alarmed cabinet that is easy to access in an emergency. Inside, you’ll also find additional lifesaving tools, including Narcan to reverse opioid overdoses and Stop the Bleed kits to control severe bleeding.

Training the Community

Access to equipment is only part of the equation—confidence matters just as much.

To support the rollout, Shaler Hampton EMS will offer free hands-only CPR training in the parks where AEDs are located this Summer. Residents can also practice these skills using CPR manikins and accompanying videos, available through the Shaler North Hills Library.

The message is clear: you don’t have to be a medical professional to save a life. In fact, the person most likely to need CPR is someone you know.

Built for Our Community

The program was designed with local conditions in mind. Because extreme cold can affect performance, most AEDs will be deployed from mid-March through early December, with select locations remaining available year-round.

These devices are also intended for the many residents who live in close proximity to the parks and have someone to retrieve an AED while someone else is doing CPR.

A Model for the Future

Shaler Township’s AED initiative is hopefully the first step toward a much wider placement of public access AEDs throughout Etna, Hampton, and Shaler, with significant foundational support.

By combining accessible technology, real-time connection to 911, and hands-on public training, this program empowers everyday people to act in an emergency.

Because when seconds matter most, help doesn’t have to wait for sirens.

It can start with you.

Future updates will be shared via social media pages and always also at: https://shalerhamptonems.org/aed/

DENNY PARK

1198 Anderson Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15209

Ward 2

This 9-acre park contains a playground, two soccer fields, and a picnic shelter. The fields are used by the Shaler Soccer Club who also manage the concession stand on site.

Did you know? There used to be a baseball field at this park.

DUSS PARK

380 Friday Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15209

Ward 1

This 7.6-acre park contains 1 tennis court, 1 pickleball court, street hockey, a playground, a basketball court, and sand volleyball. It is located in the Cherry City section of the Township.

Did you know? This park is named after former Commissioner Ed Duss, who also served in the Shaler Township Police Department.

ELLEN HUGHES PARK

3225 Greenfield Road

Glenshaw, PA 15116

Ward 6

The park contains 2 tennis courts, pickleball courts, a playground, a baseball field, and a basketball court.

Did you know? One side of the park is along Hampton Township, another side of the park is along Ross Township, and a corner of the park meets at a corner of McCandless Township.