American Heart Association joins with local organizations to equip downtown Orlando buses with AEDs
Orlando, Fla. – Feb. 21, 2025 – In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance public safety, 15 LYNX LYMMO buses across downtown Orlando are now equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Through collaboration with the American Heart Association, AdventHealth and the City of Orlando, this initiative, launching in Heart Month this February, aims to increase the accessibility and use of AEDs in public spaces, potentially saving countless lives.
“Having quick access to an AED and knowing how to use one is crucial in the event of a cardiac arrest, doubling or even tripling a person’s chance of survival. Statistics show that of the people who receive a shock from an AED within the first minute of cardiac arrest, 9 out of 10 survive,” said Jimmy Clarity, vice president of the American Heart Association, Orlando.
This marks the first initiative to place AEDs on buses in Orlando and one of the first times the technology has been implemented on public transit in the U.S., significantly improving access to these life-saving devices in public areas. LYNX LYMMO buses in Orlando accommodate an average of 1,900 weekday riders. By equipping LYNX LYMMO buses with AEDs, we are taking a crucial step towards making the Orlando community safer and better prepared to handle cardiac emergencies.
An AED is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart when it detects an abnormal rhythm, helping to restore a normal heart rhythm. AEDs remain underused in many public areas, even though 15% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in public places. In fact, only about 40% of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive the immediate help they need before professional help arrives.
“The wellbeing of the Central Florida community is at the heart of everything we do at AdventHealth. AEDs and CPR are a person’s best chance of survival in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, and with this initiative we’re making AEDs more accessible to the greater public and essentially creating more first-responders who can save lives,” said Dr. Patricia Guerrero, a cardiac electrophysiologist at AdventHealth.
The newly installed AEDs do not require training to use since they have both visual and audio prompts, so they can be used by operators or members of the public. In addition to the installation of AEDs on LYMMO buses, LYNX has been working to educate its employees about heart health and safety by providing hands-only CPR training for newly hired bus operators and current administrative staff (please note employees are not required to use these skills in an emergency).
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About the American Heart Association:
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About the AdventHealth Central Florida Division:
AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division encompasses 17 hospitals and ERs in four counties across Metro Orlando. The world-class hospitals, combined with a comprehensive outpatient care network, see more than 5.9 million patient visits annually. AdventHealth also has an expansive research portfolio in Central Florida, with more than 675 clinical trials and studies in progress. The organization, which has more than 32,000 Central Florida team members, has a deep commitment to serving the community, with a community investment of more than $1.26 billion in 2023.
About LYNX:
As the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority, LYNX provides public transportation services primarily for Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties. LYNX’ 68 daily fixed-route bus service transports more than 70,000 passenger trips each weekday spanning an area of approximately 2,500 square miles with a resident population of more than 2.2 million. Other services include LYMMO, three fare-free downtown Orlando circulators; Vanpool commuter services; ACCESS LYNX paratransit service; 11 NeighborLink community circulators; FastLink limited stop service; and the Road Rangers roadside assistance program on Interstate 4.
For Media Inquiries:
Emory Parkins, emory.parkins@heart.org
Caroline Glenn, caroline.glenn@adventhealth.com
Stephanie Burk, sburk@golynx.com
