Thanks to the initiative of Montville Township High School Athletic Trainer, Don Heyburn, and the generous support of the Montville Athletic Boosters, two new outdoor Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units have been installed on the high school campus, expanding access to lifesaving equipment for both athletes and the wider community.
The idea for the project grew out of Heyburn’s efforts to update the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for athletics. As part of the plan, each athletic team designates an individual—such as a coach, captain, or team designee—responsible for retrieving an AED in the event of a cardiac emergency. However, Heyburn recognized a critical issue: after school hours, most exterior school doors are locked, which could delay access to an AED during an emergency on the athletic fields.
“I had been concerned for some time that the designated person responsible for retrieving the AED inside the school would have to gain entry to the building after hours,” Heyburn explained. “That could make entry difficult, if not impossible, in a timely manner.”
To address this concern, Heyburn worked with Michelle Khalaf, Assistant to the Athletic Director, to approach Montville Athletic Boosters member Stacey Garb about possible funding for outdoor AEDs. The Athletic Boosters enthusiastically agreed to donate the necessary funds, making the project possible.
As a result, two permanently installed outdoor AED units are now available - one on the outer wall of the concession stand at the stadium, and another mounted near the upper fields, on a pole between the varsity and junior varsity softball fields.
“These AEDs will be a great addition to helping ensure the health and safety of our athletes and the Montville community,” Heyburn said.
The district extends its gratitude to Mr. Heyburn, Mrs. Khalaf, Mrs. Garb, and the Montville Athletic Boosters for their collaboration and commitment to student safety.