Dillon, CO - The Town of Dillon is taking a huge step to make the community safer for everyone. We're excited to announce the installation of three new outdoor automated external defibrillator (AED) safety towers, in key high-traffic public locations. These units are accessible 24/7 and are designed to provide immediate, life-saving support during a sudden cardiac arrest—a situation where every second counts.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a serious health emergency, and unfortunately, it's a leading cause of death in the U.S., with over 400,000 cases each year. The survival rate is less than 10%, but that number can more than double when someone uses an AED and performs CPR. Brain damage may occur just four minutes after the heart stops, which is why immediate action by a bystander is so important. These new safety towers give our residents and visitors the tools to act fast and potentially save a life while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
“We hope you'll never need to use an AED," says Town Manager Nathan Johnson, "but it's comforting to know they're there. We are committed to making Dillon a heart-safe community for everyone who lives, works, and plays here."
The new Dillon AED Safety Towers can be found at the following locations, so they're always within reach:
- Dillon Marina: lakeside, near the launch ramp
- Dillon Town Park Pavilion: 120 Buffalo Street, just behind the baseball field and serves the Pickle Ball/Tennis Courts, as well as the Friday Farmers Market
- Marina Park: 306 W. Lodgepole, path leading to the outdoor covered Pavilion
This initiative is about more than just equipment—it’s about empowering our community. The Town of Dillon has trained all employees in CPR and AED use, reinforcing our commitment to being prepared for any emergency. We're proud to be a part of a larger, community-wide effort. Our neighbors in Breckenridge have also made a strong commitment to cardiac preparedness, with over 50 AEDs placed throughout their town and public buses. By investing in these public AEDs and training, both towns are setting a "gold standard" for community readiness.
Aside from these outdoor AED locations, other Town AEDs are located at the Dillon Amphitheater, Dillon Town Hall and the Dillon Marina office. Want to know where your nearest AED is located? Download the free Pulse Point AED App on your phone to find out. This app works with Google maps to help you find the nearest AED, no matter where you are.
Summit County boasts a very high sudden cardiac arrest survival rate - up to five-six times more than the state average, thanks to our local EMS providers, citizen bystander intervention and of course, number of public AEDs.
Everyone should know CPR and be familiar with an AED. The Starting Hearts nonprofit offers open monthly Call.Push.Shock.™ donation-based classes at their Frisco office, as well as private classes which can be arranged for groups of six or more. Red Cross Certification classes are also available.
