Background: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops. It is caused by abnormality in the heart’s structure, function, or electrical system and includes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and long QT syndrome. Rapid emergency response via cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) is essential for survival. SCA in youth occurs most commonly in the 10-19 age group. Youth Heart Watch (YHW), an affiliate of Project ADAM® works to prevent sudden cardiac death among children and adolescents by placing AEDs in schools, recreation centers and other public places, and training staff in their use. The Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Centers (PPR) serve as a community resource and safe space for many children and young adults providing recreational activities, pools, gyms, and day camps. AEDs and Emergency Preparedness is important in the PPR to provide a safe space for the community and to ensure an effective response to a SCA.

Methods: Site visits and phone surveys with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Center staff were conducted by YHW staff to ascertain information on the AEDs, the number of units, manufacturer, location of unit, and expiration dates on the battery, adult, and pediatric pads. After the initial assessment was completed, materials were ordered by YHW staff and delivered to the appropriate centers. A REDCap database for tracking each Center’s AED equipment was created to assist with future planning and timely replacement of materials. CPR and AED use training was accomplished during the COVID-19 pandemic via a virtual platform with instructional videos and posters.

Results: Our assessment found 142 AEDs in 139 PPR Centers, 116 (83.5%) of the 139 Centers had non-functioning AEDs, which included 17 AEDs with expired batteries, 81 with expired electrode pads and 18 with both expired batteries and electrode pads. After our intervention, 100% of the sites have functional AEDs with up-to-date batteries and electrode pads. We created a new comprehensive database by combining the data collected from the surveys and the existing PPR database to track the units and their respective components to ensure future planning and timely replacement.  

Conclusion: Recreation Centers are gathering areas for younger populations in Philadelphia’s communities. In 2016, 179,567 youth between the ages of 2 and 18 participated in programs hosted by PPR and 7000 children attended summer camps. Sharing our mission of preparing these Recreation Centers for a cardiac emergency, PPR worked with us among the challenges of COVID-19. The original units at PPR Centers were donated by Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments 10-20 years ago. AED units are effective for ~10 years; the batteries are functional for 4 to 5 years, and the pads are functional for 2 to 4 years. Thus, many of the materials needed to be updated and urgent action was required as many of these centers ran summer and after school programs. This study will enable us to track the expiration of PPR’s AED materials and prepare for future replacement efforts ensure that the Recreation Centers are Heart Safe.