The Turlock City Council unanimously approved funding for 40 Automated External Defibrillators to be used in Turlock Police Department patrol cars, by Parks and Recreation Department supervisory staff, and at Pedretti Park and the Turlock Senior Center.

An AED is a lightweight portable device that diagnoses, then delivers an electric shock to the heart when it suddenly stops beating.

“I am thrilled our council unanimously voted to support this investment in saving lives her in Turlock, said Mayor Amy Bublak. “These AEDs will be a first line of defense for faster, life-saving response times throughout the city.”

The AEDs cost $700 per unit and will be purchased entirely with Measure A funds. The city currently has 20 AEDs at various public facilities. 

Measure A was a ballot initiative passed by Turlock voters in 2020 that increased the sales tax from 7.875 percent to 8.625 percent in order to address public safety, homelessness, street repair and other quality-of-life issues.