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Expanding a system of connected cardiac care in Forsyth County starts with you.
Forsyth County, GA is transforming traditional emergency preparedness by going beyond conventional emergency response systems and empowering community members to respond during Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) emergencies.
SCA is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., with 70% of incidents occurring in the home. Despite millions of AEDs being distributed across the U.S. over the past two decades, survival rates have remained largely unchanged. While placing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces and encouraging individuals to own them may seem like an easy fix, this approach alone hasn't solved the problem. Forsyth County is taking a proactive approach by providing residents with AEDs placed directly in their homes, which can be dispatched by 911 to help neighbors in need during emergencies.
The 4 Minute Community™ program in Forsyth County.
In response to the challenge of SCA emergencies, Forsyth County launched the 4 Minute Community™ Program to address the crucial time gap between an SCA event and the arrival of first responders. This innovative initiative provides citizens with AEDs and equips them with the knowledge, resources, and a direct link to 911. It empowers individuals to take swift action, bridging the gap between a collapse and the use of life-saving devices.
Forsyth County has strategically placed hundreds of Avive Connect AED®s in the homes of community volunteers. These AEDs are equipped with GPS and cellular connectivity, fully integrated with 911 systems. When an SCA emergency occurs nearby, the Avive AED sends an audible alert and pinpoints the patient’s location, enabling nearby volunteers to act and provide life-saving care within critical early minutes. This network of trained citizens and readily available AEDs is helping to create a more resilient, prepared community in the face of SCA emergencies.
The impact Forsyth is already making.
By leveraging Avive Connect AEDs and community training, Forsyth County is fostering a safer, more proactive environment where neighbors are ready to respond in those critical moments after an emergency.
Expanding a system of connected care in Georgia.
Equipping communities to respond to SCA emergencies goes beyond Forsyth County and isn’t confined by county lines or the efforts of the 4 Minute Community CARE Team. Business owners, schools, residential communities, and other public spaces can all play a vital role by ensuring their visitors have access to life-saving devices that are already integrated with the community, first responders, and the 911 system. Additionally, neighboring cities and counties can help extend the coverage and care available to their residents, expanding the network of support and increasing the chances of survival for those in need.
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Schools and families
Georgia's House Bill 874, which came into effect on July 1st, 2025, mandates AEDs in all public K-12 schools and requires schools to have an AED available and accessible during school hours and at school-related functions. The bill also requires schools to develop emergency action plans for responding to cardiac emergencies and establish internal response teams. However, having just one AED on a campus can be a significant risk in situations requiring quick defibrillation. SCA is the leading cause of death among young athletes, and one AED, while it may be located near athletic facilities, is often not accessible in other areas of the campus where it could be needed.
So where do we start? Protecting children begins with parents and adults advocating for their safety. Children spend a majority of their time in a week at school, and are under the care and preparedness of teachers, faculty, coaches and bystanders. We encourage parents to inquire about the amount of AEDs in a school and advocate for more intelligent placements or multiple locations.
Small businesses
Local businesses have an opportunity to make a significant impact by leveraging AEDs that are already connected within a community. By choosing an AED that’s integrated, easy to use, and simple to manage, they can contribute to life-saving efforts. Avive Connect AEDs are equipped with REALConnect™ software, which leverages Wi-Fi, cellular, and GPS technology. This allows the device to run automated health checks and send real-time alerts, eliminating the need for in-person inspections and saving valuable time for managers. With many small business owners operating from their homes, residential neighborhoods, or on city streets, having an AED on hand not only safeguards you and your employees but also empowers you to assist neighbors in an emergency.
With community volunteers already playing a role in this movement by keeping AEDs in their homes, the impact of timely defibrillation could be amplified even further if neighboring businesses provided the same protection against SCA emergencies.
Homeowners and HOA
Weighing just 2.1 lbs, the Avive Connect AED is easy to store, whether tucked away, mounted on a wall, kept in a glovebox, or placed in a bag in a home without disrupting daily life. Both Avive and Forsyth County believe AEDs should be thought about in the same way as fire extinguishers or first aid kits in the home: something that is commonplace, approachable and preventative. With 70% of SCA emergencies occurring at home, the conversation can start within homeowners associations to help educate and offer proactive solutions.
Providing resources, neighborhood CPR training, and information about where AEDs are located are key steps in raising awareness. Additionally, making purchasing options and resources available to families, so they can choose the AED best suited for their needs, can significantly improve access and awareness. With more homes equipped with AEDs, neighbors will be better prepared to assist each other while EMS is on the way.