The Porter County Health Department is taking steps to make the area a Heart Safe Community. They recently installed an automated external defibrillator (AED) outside the Duneland Chamber of Commerce at 220 Broadway, located in Thomas Centennial Park.
This initiative is part of Project ADAM, named after Adam Lemel, a high school student who tragically died from Sudden Cardiac Arrest. The project aims to increase awareness and equip communities with the tools needed to handle cardiac emergencies.
Tyler McLead, Park Superintendent, shared at a Town Council meeting that this program is nationally recognized. It promotes better survival rates for Sudden Cardiac Arrest and encourages more people to use AEDs. The Health Department plans to place outdoor AED cabinets across the county, with Thomas Centennial Park being a high-traffic area chosen for its visibility.
The newly installed AED is accessible 24/7 and is located on the east side of the Chamber building. It’s climate-controlled, meaning it remains functional in all weather conditions. Furthermore, it comes with various safety features: an alarm is triggered when the unit is accessed, and emergency contacts are notified immediately. A built-in camera captures images of anyone who opens the cabinet, enhancing security.
The total cost of this AED—about $5,700—was covered by the Health Department at no charge to the Town of Chesterton. McLead acknowledged Deputy Fire Chief Aimee Gilbert for her role in coordinating this initiative, which began last December.
Why AEDs Matter
Sudden Cardiac Arrest can strike anyone at any time. According to the American Heart Association, immediate defibrillation can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. The current stats show that only about 10% of people survive a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, but with more AEDs available, that number has the potential to rise.
Many communities are starting similar initiatives. Social media discussions on community health reveal a growing trend toward increasing preparedness for heart emergencies. People are increasingly sharing personal stories of survival, which highlight the impact of readily available AEDs.
For further updates, you can check out the full report on the Town of Chesterton Facebook page and see how local efforts are making a difference in heart health awareness.
