Eugene Science Center recipient of automatic external defibrillator donation from local heart group

EUGENE, Ore. – The Eugene Science Center is the newest site in the Eugene/Springfield area to house an automated external defibrillator thanks to a donation last month from Eugene Springfield HEARTsafe.

Eugene Springfield HEARTsafe delivered the device during a brief gathering at the kids’ science center near Alton Baker Park and Autzen Stadium.

The AED device will be located in the science center, with its distinctively shaped building at 2300 Leo Harris Parkway, Eugene. The popular center hosts static and rotating, interactive science exhibits, along with camps and other events.

“Our search for an AED began after our Education team underwent training with Oregon CPR last year, so we were thrilled to discover this opportunity,” said Peter Kukla, the center’s community engagement director. “We welcome more than 40,000 guests to the science center annually — visiting on field trips, attending camps or special events, and stopping by for the day. As such, we believe having an AED will provide a much needed sense of security for guests and staff alike. We are honored to be the recipient of an AED from Eugene Springfield HEARTsafe.”

A spokesperson with Eugene Springfield HEARTsafe said factors that led to the program selecting the center for an AED included the volume of guests that visit the center, its proximity to Autzen Stadium and the large events held at the venue, as well as the potential traffic delays associated with those events and the road construction currently underway nearby that could slow first responders’ arrival.

Eugene Springfield HEARTsafe purchased the defibrillator with funds from a $5,000 grant from the PulsePoint Foundation -- a public non-profit 501(c)(3) -- following its win of the 2023 national PulsePoint AED Contest.

Nationally, the survival rate of cardiac arrest is approximately nine percent, and the chance of survival decreases by 10 percent for every minute that goes by without chest compressions (CPR), making AEDs an important step in the chain of survival.

Eugene Springfield HEARTsafe is a partner organization of Eugene Springfield Fire and PeaceHealth.

About Eugene Springfield HEARTsafe: Eugene Springfield HEARTsafe is committed to making the Eugene-Springfield community a HEARTsafe Community. We are focused on increasing cardiac arrest survival rates through awareness, education, and partnering with organizations that further this mission. For questions email, HEARTsafe@peacehealth.org

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, more than 3,000 providers, more than 160 clinics and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.

About the PulsePoint Foundation: PulsePoint is a public 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation that builds applications for use by public safety agencies to increase community awareness during critical events. The PulsePoint Respond mobile app notifies trained individuals of the nearby need for CPR and the PulsePoint AED registry identifies AED (automated external defibrillator) locations for use by the public and 9-1-1 telecommunicators during emergency call taking. PulsePoint also provides specialized mobile apps for professional responders. Learn more at pulsepoint.org. The free app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

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