Pittsburgh Installed First Outdoor Public AED
The new device at Frankie Pace Park provides 24-hour access to emergency life-saving equipment for park visitors.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Heart Disease
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Pittsburgh officials unveiled the city's first outdoor automated external defibrillator at Frankie Pace Park in the Lower Hill District. The device is available 24 hours a day to assist in cardiac emergencies.
Why it matters
Public access to defibrillators is critical during cardiac emergencies where every second counts. This installation aims to ensure lifesaving tools are available to the public in a busy outdoor space.
This city-led initiative establishes a new outdoor access point for emergency equipment. While this unit marks the first of its kind for Pittsburgh, the broader rollout strategy across the city's park system is still under development.
The players
ZOLL Medical
A manufacturer of medical devices including defibrillators and resuscitation technology.
Freedom House Ambulance Service
A pioneering emergency medical service that began operations in the neighborhood 60 years ago.
Ed Kosiec
A resident who survived a cardiac arrest and whose experience highlights the importance of emergency preparedness.
The details
The defibrillator is housed in a white-and-red display case equipped with an alarm to protect the equipment. When opened, the device provides automated voice instructions that guide users to call 911 and follow specific steps for operating the machine during a cardiac arrest. The park site connects the Lower Hill District and Downtown while capping Interstate 579.
Timeline
1966: The Freedom House Ambulance Service launched in the neighborhood.
2019: Local resident Ed Kosiec survived a cardiac arrest.
October 14, 2026: City officials unveiled the outdoor AED at Frankie Pace Park.
Health Landscape
This installation builds on the emergency response legacy of the Freedom House Ambulance Service, which began operations in this neighborhood 60 years ago. It represents a shift toward expanding life-saving infrastructure beyond traditional indoor clinical settings.
Park visitors should note the location of the white-and-red display case at Frankie Pace Park in case of a cardiac emergency. If you are ever in a situation requiring this device, the unit provides direct automated instructions for immediate use.
The takeaway
Quick access to an AED is one of the most significant factors in surviving a cardiac arrest. Familiarize yourself with the appearance of these devices and always prioritize calling 911 when you suspect a medical emergency.
Further reading
For more information on emergency cardiac care and prevention, visit the Heart Disease section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TribLIVE.
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Do you support installing more emergency medical devices like defibrillators in public parks near you?
