EPAD is an Evergreen based nonprofit organization whose mission is to facilitate access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in order to dramatically increase the survival of a victim of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Automated external defibrillators are small portable devices that detect ventricular fibrillation and provide an electrical charge that can assist in the return of a normal, organized heartbeat.

A victims chance of survival drops an astonishing 10% per minute without CPR and defibrillation. Early CPR and early defibrillation is paramount in saving a victim of sudden cardiac arrest, thus EPAD is dedicated to making the Evergreen community “Heart Safe” by placing AEDs in businesses and public spaces throughout the mountain area. Already, EPAD’s devices and public CPR have saved the lives of 6 victims of sudden cardiac arrest.