Red Bank Now Has A Life-Saving Device At Riverside Gardens Park

RED BANK, NJ — The Riverside Gardens Park in Red Bank will be “heart-safe” thanks to a collaboration between the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council and the Victor Zando Foundation, who will install a new automated external defibrillator (AED).

An AED is a battery-powered, portable device that can be used by a bystander to save a person's life after a cardiac arrest.

Dorothea Zando started the Victor Zando Foundation after her 45-year-old brother died of a heart attack while out on his daily run.

In 2022, Zando made it her mission to raise awareness about heart health during the month of February and to host an educational event to give back to the community.

On February 23, an educational event called “Live With HEART” was held to educate the public and raise funds for the AED at Riverside Gardens Park.

Eleven organizations contributed over $1,400, totaling over $1,400. The AED was purchased by Jim Schatzle, a paramedic and owner of TEAM LIFE, INC.

“This generous AED donation now makes Riverside Park HeartSafe. Even though Riverview Medical Center is a short distance away from the park, anyone in cardiac arrest needs an AED applied to them within three minutes to have the best chance of survival,” said Schatzle.

During the spring and summer months, around 10,000 people visit Riverside Gardens Park for relaxation, entertainment, and recreation.

The Red Bank Parks & Recreation Department's Recreation Assistant, Oscar Salinas, said, “This donation is very important to us as we host multiple events at Riverside Gardens Park throughout the year. Now that we have an AED on-site, our park is more prepared to respond to emergencies when they happen!”

The Monmouth-Ocean Development Council plans to keep its "Live with HEART" event going to educate members about heart health and support local communities in need.