Quick Response and an AED Help Save a Life at Community 5K

Atlantic Beach, Florida

On November 27, 2025, more than 5,000 participants gathered in Atlantic Beach, Florida for Tony’s Turkey Trot—an event focused on community, fitness and fun. During the race, the unthinkable happened. A runner suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and collapsed on the course.

Fellow participants, including a doctor and an off-duty firefighter, immediately provided assistance while Atlantic Beach Police Department (ABPD) officers arrived and began CPR. Officers quickly retrieved an automated external defibrillator (AED) donated by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation from their patrol vehicle.

Officers applied the AED, which delivered a lifesaving shock. Within minutes, the runner regained a pulse and consciousness before being transported to a local hospital for further care. He went on to make a full recovery—and was even able to celebrate his wedding just days later.

“This was only possible because of the generous donation of AEDs from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which supplied enough units to equip each patrol car with this lifesaving tool.”

– Lieutenant Chase Jamison, Atlantic Beach Police Department

Granted Equipment Used:
Automated External Defibrillator (AED): Portable, battery-operated device that enables first responders, schools, and the public to respond to cardiac emergencies.