Palmetto Police Department Receives Lifesaving Donation of 40 AEDs

In a significant step toward enhancing public safety, the Palmetto Police Department has received a donation of 40 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) from the Defibrillate Manatee Foundation. This contribution, presented during the Palmetto City Council meeting on Monday, January 27th, will equip police patrol vehicles with lifesaving technology to assist in cardiac emergencies.

The Defibrillate Manatee Foundation, founded by Ernie Withers, a sudden cardiac arrest survivor and retired businessman, is dedicated to increasing access to AEDs and promoting CPR awareness throughout the community. Withers, whose own life was saved by the use of an AED in 2023, established the foundation to ensure more people have access to the same lifesaving equipment that helped him recover.

This latest donation brings the Foundation’s total contribution to 143 AEDs distributed across Manatee County. In addition to providing AEDs, the organization has donated AED training simulators, CPR mannequins, and first aid kits. Through these efforts, Withers has helped certify over 100 individuals in CPR, equipping them with essential skills to respond to medical emergencies.

The donation to the Palmetto Police Department was made possible through the generous support of several local businesses, including The Opal Collection of Hotels and Resorts, Neal Communities, Pittsburgh Pirates Charities, the Mosaic Company, and Woodruff and Sons. These organizations played a key role in funding the initiative, helping to expand access to AEDs in public spaces and first responder units.

The AEDs placed in Palmetto Police Department vehicles will allow officers to respond quickly to cardiac emergencies at any time, significantly improving survival rates for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. By having these devices available 24/7, first responders will be better equipped to provide immediate intervention until medical professionals arrive.

Community members interested in learning more about the Defibrillate Manatee Foundation, its donors, or available CPR training opportunities can visit Defibmanatee.org for further information.