Madison Fire Announces Free 'AED Library' Program

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) save lives. That's why the City of Madison Fire Department is making them easier to access.

Starting this week, the public can reserve an AED to bring along to their sporting event, family reunion, picnic, or any gathering where access to an AED may otherwise be a concern. The Avive AEDs made available by the Madison Fire Department are lightweight, compact, easy to transport, and simple to use.

The launch of this innovative program happens during National CPR and AED Awareness Week, celebrated June 1 through 7, 2025.

What Are AEDs?

Along with hands-only CPR, AEDs are a critical tool in helping someone who is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. An AED will determine if the person’s heart is in a shockable rhythm and will deliver a shock to the patient, if necessary.

If you witness a cardiac arrest, first call 911 and have someone begin hands-only CPR. Hands-only CPR is performed by placing both of your hands on the center of the patient's chest and pushing hard and fast until someone else can take over for you.

While hands-only CPR is underway, a second person turns on the AED. The AED is designed to give simple, easy-to-follow instructions. 

The Avive AEDs provided by the City of Madison Fire Department feature a setting for child patients (under the age of 8) and Spanish-language feature that can be turned on, if needed.

Watch this video to learn more about the AED Library program and how to use the Avive AED. 

When everyday people take action through hands-only CPR and using an AED, they are helping to increase the chances of survival for someone in cardiac arrest.

How to Reserve an AED

To reserve an AED from the Madison Fire Department, simply contact the MFD Administrative Offices at 608-266-4420 or fire@cityofmadison.com. Be prepared to tell us the date(s) you wish to reserve the AED. Return the AED within three days after the completion of your event.

Learn More About Hands-Only CPR and AEDs

The Madison Fire Department wants to educate as many people as possible about how to intervene when someone experiences cardiac arrest. By doing so, we are on track to increase survival rates within our community.

With the help of Bucky Badger and Coach Mark Johnson of the Wisconsin Badgers Women's Hockey Team, Madison Fire Department Paramedics and EMTs show how easy it is to perform hands-only CPR. 

Watch Bucky Badger help save a life!

For some hands-on experience, attend the Madison Fire Department's upcoming community hands-only CPR and AED class. The class takes place Wednesday, June 25, 5:30-7:30 PM, at Fire Station 13 (6350 Town Center Drive). The class is free. RSVP here. 

Get the App, Save a Life

The PulsePoint app is another free tool that alerts you when someone in a nearby public place needs CPR. The app also lets you know where the nearest AED is located. Download the app, set your home fire department to Madison Fire and/or Dane County EMS/Fire, and be sure the "CPR Needed" alerts are turned on.

As of June 4, 2025, ten people in Madison have survived cardiac arrest and left the hospital 100% neurologically intact. 

With help from everyday responders like you working in tandem with the paramedics and EMTs of the Madison Fire Department, Dane County can remain a national leader in cardiac arrest survival rates.