- calendar_today June 19, 2026
The city of Rigby, Idaho, has gained a vital safety resource with the recent donation of an automated external defibrillator (AED) to Rigby South Park, following the tragic loss of Janelle Palmer to sudden cardiac arrest shortly after childbirth. This contribution underscores the growing commitment across Idaho to enhance public safety through increased access to life-saving devices in community spaces.
Family’s Gift Inspires Cardiac Arrest Awareness
The AED donation was spearheaded by the Palmer family to honor Janelle Palmer’s memory and highlight the urgent need for cardiac arrest awareness. Palmer’s sudden passing was attributed to spontaneous coronary artery dissection, a rare but serious cause of sudden cardiac arrest. By donating an AED to one of Rigby’s most frequently-visited parks, Janelle’s family seeks to promote heart health education and provide tools for future emergency responses throughout the region.
Community Support Led by The Aliver Foundation and Field of Hearts
This aed donation was made possible through a collaborative effort involving The Aliver Foundation and its initiative, Field of Hearts – Addie’s Mission. The Field of Hearts program works to place AEDs in parks and provide comprehensive cpr aed training and public education. Their mission received additional momentum following the story of Addie Cox, a local high school athlete whose life was saved by an AED when she suffered sudden cardiac arrest during a softball game in eastern Idaho.
Installation Brings Outdoor Recreation AED Access
The City of Rigby facilitated the aed installation at Rigby South Park, marking a significant step in promoting outdoor recreation aed access. Officials cited the importance of having defibrillators accessible where families, athletes, and community members gather. According to The Aliver Foundation, quick AED deployment dramatically improves survival rates when cardiac emergencies happen in public settings such as parks and sports fields.
AED Community Event to Educate and Honor
To commemorate the aed life saving potential of this device and celebrate Janelle Palmer’s legacy, an aed community event and dedication ceremony will take place at Rigby South Park. The gathering will offer free cpr aed training, feature remarks from local leaders, and encourage participation from Palmer’s family, reinforcing community bonds and emphasizing readiness in the face of cardiac emergencies.
Empowering Idaho’s Emergency Preparedness
Rigby’s latest AED installation demonstrates the strength of Idaho’s public health initiatives and the value placed on community-driven safety. Through the efforts of organizations like The Aliver Foundation and the support of programs like Field of Hearts, local institutions are advancing efforts to ensure AEDs are available at critical public recreation points. This collaborative spirit not only honors individuals like Janelle Palmer but also underscores Idaho’s commitment to aed life saving technology and cardiac arrest awareness.
Looking Forward: Expanding Safety Across the Region
The Palmer family’s donation is expected to set an example for other communities across Idaho. By integrating automated external defibrillator units in more public spaces and offering accessible training, the region aims to fortify its emergency response capacity. The united effort highlights how Idaho residents can both honor loved ones and strengthen public health, ensuring that quick response tools are available where they are needed most.





