News BREC Releases 124 New Life-Saving Devices Across Parks and Facilities

Baton Rouge, LouisianaJun 04, 2026BREC patrons should have more peace of mind, as the organization installs 124 new, state-of-the-art automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout many of its most-visited parks and facilities. 

The initiative was inspired by BREC’s commitment to creating a safer environment for anyone who may experience cardiac arrest while visiting a BREC location. The devices will be placed in high-traffic areas both inside and outside of BREC facilities and will be accessible to the public, even if they are not actively using park amenities at the time of an emergency. 

“This was done strategically so that if someone, child or adult, experiences cardiac arrest, they will likely be within reach of an AED within two minutes, potentially saving a life,” said Ryan Reed, BREC’s Director of Recreation. 

BREC is working with Baton Rouge EMS and Cardiac Solutions to ensure each AED location is listed on the PulsePoint app, which helps emergency responders and bystanders quickly locate the nearest device. In the future, 911 callers in need of an AED will be directed to the nearest device by emergency dispatchers. 

AEDs are designed to be user-friendly and include written instructions with illustrations, as well as step-by-step audio guidance that begins immediately when the device is opened.  

Park maintenance employees will also be equipped with portable AEDs while working throughout the park system. 

“Our maintenance crews are constantly on the move in the field, performing a wide variety of work across the parish. We have crews mowing at the peak of summer and electricians that have a heightened level of risk given the nature of their work. We wanted to be sure that we are prioritizing our employees’ safety as well as the citizens of East Baton Rouge,” explained Reed. 

AEDs will be installed in phases, with the first wave of devices being placed at facilities hosting summer camps this season. However, BREC expects all devices to be installed at their designated park locations within the next 60 days. 

“We want residents to know that BREC cares about their safety, no matter where they are when an emergency occurs,” Reed says. “This is just another way we can continue putting our community first, and we’re proud to be able to do that in any capacity.” 

By expanding access to lifesaving equipment throughout the parish, BREC is excited to make a long-term investment in the health and safety of the community for years to come.