February's American Heart Month serves as a reminder that preparedness saves lives. In Palm Beach, this is demonstrated daily through the work of the Police and Fire-Rescue Departments. These teams are committed to protecting the community through advanced training, innovation, and public education that empowers bystanders to act confidently until help arrives. 

Expanding AED Access Across Town 
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) continue to be placed in high-traffic public spaces, including the Mandel Recreation Center, Royal Poinciana Plaza, and additional community locations. Fire-Rescue recently delivered its 100th AED through community partnership programs, strengthening the Town’s cardiac response network. 

American Heart Association Recognition 
Palm Beach Fire Rescue has earned the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline Gold Award for excellence in treating heart attack patients. The award recognizes emergency medical services that demonstrate outstanding performance in quickly identifying and transporting patients experiencing severe heart attacks (STEMI). To qualify, agencies must meet strict standards, including rapid EKG assessment, prompt hospital notification, and fast transport to cardiac care facilities. This achievement highlights Palm Beach Fire Rescue's commitment to providing timely, life-saving care when every minute matters. 

Data-Driven Excellence in EMS 
With more than 40 new EMS validation rules implemented in ImageTrend, Fire Rescue’s emergency management software, the department currently ranks first in Florida for data accuracy compliance, enhancing accountability, improving precision reporting, and sharpening patient care standards. 

Education That Changes Outcomes 
Fire-Rescue recently reported two documented life saves directly linked to community education programs—clear evidence that preparedness and training make a measurable difference. 

Community Heart-Health Education 

Cardiac arrest can occur anywhere. Immediate CPR can double or even triple survival rates, and AEDs can restore heart rhythm when seconds matter most. Expanding awareness and access to training helps strengthen Palm Beach as a community of lifesavers. 

Learn CPR—Free and Local 

Palm Beach Fire-Rescue offers CPR and AED classes for residents and businesses. Classes may be scheduled by calling 561-227-6436 or submitting a request online. 
Additional resources are available through the American Heart Association, including instructional videos and toolkits designed for workplaces, schools, and faith-based organizations. The CDC Heart Month toolkit also provides practical materials focused on blood pressure management and heart-disease prevention. 

Get—and Register—an AED 
Through Safeguard Palm Beach, in partnership with Fire-Rescue, the Town is working to increase registered AEDs from approximately 200 to 500 over a two-year period. Fire-Rescue’s Community Education team provides training, site walk-through support, and guidance on AED placement, maintenance (including batteries and pads) and 911 registration. The program is currently at capacity. When openings become available, The Palm Beach Police & Fire AED page will be active.  

AEDs that are already installed in private buildings are encouraged to be registered with Fire Rescue so dispatchers can direct bystanders to the nearest device during an emergency. 

Strengthening Public Safety Through Partnership 
The Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation continues to invest in advanced equipment, professional training, scholarships, and community education initiatives that keep Palm Beach at the forefront of public safety. 

Upcoming 2026 events include: 

• Rally for First Responders – February 21 
• Safeguard Palm Beach Community Clean-Out – March 6 
• Spring Breakfast & Safety Forum – March 12 

These events provide opportunities to learn more about public safety initiatives and connect with first responders. Please visit the Town’s calendar for more information.  

Technology Advancing Police Response 
The Palm Beach Police Department is adding another advanced tool to its public safety toolbox through a donation from the Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation to fund five years of the Skydio Drone as part of a First Responder program. 
The drone system will allow officers to deploy unmanned aircraft rapidly from fixed docking stations to active scenes—often arriving before patrol units. Live video feeds integrate directly into the department’s Real Time Crime Center, enhancing situational awareness and supporting safer, more informed decision-making. 
The department already utilizes Skydio drone technology, but this expanded Drone as a First Responder model allows for remote launch from strategically placed docks and potential activation tied to 911 calls and other alerts. By providing real-time aerial intelligence, the system improves officer safety, accelerates response times, and enhances coordination with Fire-Rescue during medical emergencies, traffic incidents, search efforts, and large-scale events. 

The Police Department programs add everyday safeguards, including Closed House Checks, Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), security surveys for homes/businesses, and community shredding events with the Foundation. 

A Community Ready to Respond 
Preparedness remains a shared responsibility. Through continued investment, education, and partnership, Palm Beach Police and Fire-Rescue are strengthening community readiness. This American Heart Month and beyond, every resident can be part of that mission—because when seconds matter, readiness saves lives