Reaffirming its deep commitment to public safety, the Orange County Convention Center is installing new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the West and North/South concourses.

In total, 44 Powerheart G5 AED machines will be installed at the convention center in the coming months. The machines, created by Cardiac Science, guide users through audio prompts. Additionally, the machines, the only FDA-approved, fully-automatic models on the market, are bilingual in English and Spanish, making them easier to use.

The convention center first installed 14 Powerheart G3 machines in 2007. In the decade since first installing the machines, nine lives have been saved at the OCCC.

“We take the safety of our guests and employees very seriously here at the Orange County Convention Center,” said Kathie Canning, the center’s executive director. “We’ve seen in the last decade how critical these machines have been and we’ll continue to expand measures that ensure we’re prepared for any medical incidents.”

While the convention center has trained security personnel, paramedics and members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department on-site during events, the AEDs provide an extra level of safety to visitors and employees.

“We’ve enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Orange County Convention Center,” said Rob Williams, senior area manager for Cardiac Science. “And we applaud the OCCC for once again raising the bar when it comes to investing in life-saving tools that benefit their community and clients.”

About the Orange County Convention Center
Celebrating more than 30 years of success, the Orange County Convention Center is the second largest convention facility in America. Each year the OCCC attracts more than 200 events to the Central Florida area. As a result, roughly 1.4 million attendees contribute approximately $2.1 billion to the area's economy each year. For more information about the Orange County Convention Center visit http://occc.net/.

About Cardiac Science
Cardiac Science designs, manufactures, and markets Powerheart® automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and related services that facilitate successful deployments. The Waukesha, Wisc.-based company has installed more than 500,000 units in nearly 100 countries worldwide.

Media contacts:
Gwen Wilson, OCCC Marketing & Communications Manager
407-685-5796, gwen.wilson@occc.net

Caitlin Dineen, OCCC Communications Administrator
407-685-5831, caitlin.dineen@occc.net