A lifesaving addition for the community
Residents and visitors in the Italian municipality of Nazzano now have access to a new publicly available Automated External Defibrillator (AED), thanks to a donation that has significantly strengthened local emergency preparedness. The Saving Lives Foundation donated a Smarty Saver AED, installed in a DefiSign outdoor cabinet, providing round-the-clock access to a vital lifesaving device.
The AED is located in Via Giuseppe Mazzini, a central and highly visible location that is accessible 24 hours a day, ensuring rapid availability in the event of a cardiac emergency.
Supporting the work of the Italian Red Cross
The recipient of the donation, Croce Rossa Italiana – Comitato di Valle del Tevere OdV, is the local Italian Red Cross committee serving communities in the Tiber Valley area north of Rome. The organisation supports several municipalities through emergency medical response, civil protection activities, social assistance programmes, volunteer training, health education, and support for vulnerable residents. Operating across multiple communities in the region, the committee plays an important role in strengthening local resilience and public wellbeing.
Addressing a critical need in Nazzano
The AED project was initiated in response to the absence of a publicly accessible 24/7 defibrillator in Nazzano. Home to approximately 1,320 residents and attracting additional visitors due to its proximity to the Tiber River Natural Reserve and regional transport links, the municipality faced a significant gap in emergency preparedness.
Early defibrillation is one of the most important factors in improving survival rates following sudden cardiac arrest. By placing the AED in a secure outdoor cabinet in a central public area, the entire community—including residents, municipal employees, school staff, tourists, and visitors—now has immediate access to lifesaving equipment whenever needed.
Building a more prepared community
The installation of the AED is only the first step. As a follow-up to the project, Croce Rossa Italiana – Comitato di Valle del Tevere will organise a free Basic Life Support and Defibrillation (BLSD) training course for residents, municipal staff, and teachers. The initiative aims to increase awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and ensure that more people are prepared to respond confidently in an emergency.
A lasting impact
The donation of the Smarty Saver AED and DefiSign outdoor cabinet represents a lasting investment in the safety of Nazzano. Through the collaboration between the Municipality of Nazzano, Croce Rossa Italiana – Comitato di Valle del Tevere, and the Saving Lives Foundation, the community now benefits from a lifesaving resource that is available day and night, helping to protect residents and visitors for years to come.