Join Us in Making La Porte County A HEARTSafe Community

Together, we can ensure that every citizen is equipped with the knowledge and resources to respond to cardiac emergencies. Discover how you can make a difference in our community today!

What is a HEARTSafe Community?

Becoming a HEARTSafe Community means establishing proactive steps to protect our residents from sudden cardiac arrest. The established model focuses on improving cardiac arrest survival through the systematic implementation of 13 specific recommendations or process measures that are based on current science and innovative best practices. Our community is working towards three key goals: widespread CPR training, accessible AEDs, and advanced resuscitation protocols.

HeartSafe Community logo featuring a red heart and house symbol from Citizen CPR Foundation promoting cardiac safety awareness.

Celebrating Our Journey Towards A HEARTSafe Community

In spring 2024, the City of La Porte achieved a historic milestone as the first city in Indiana to earn the HEARTSafe Community designation. Building on that success, the entire La Porte County community is now uniting behind an ambitious goal of training 15% of the county’s population in CPR each year. Our timeline showcases these milestones and the progress we’re achieving together.

Together, we have reached 25% of our goal!
City of La Porte Fire Department logo featuring pine trees and water, symbolizing local public safety and community service.
La Porte County 911 logo emphasizing emergency response partnerships for HeartSafe Community initiatives in La Porte County.
La Porte County EMS logo representing emergency medical services and lifesaving response across La Porte County, Indiana.
Health Foundation of La Porte logo representing support for HeartSafe LPC and local community health programs.
Indiana Volunteer Firefighter’s Association logo representing support for CPR and AED awareness across Indiana communities.
La Porte County residents participate in a community training session practicing infant CPR techniques

The Power of CPR and AEDs in Our Community

By training people in CPR and placing AEDs in public spaces, we build a community prepared to act quickly, confidently, and effectively. The HEARTSafe initiative promotes awareness and accessibility. Together, we are ensuring that everyone in La Porte County knows how to respond in an emergency.

70%

Survival rates can reach 70% with timely AED access.

3X

Immediate CPR can triple a person’s chance of survival.

The Benefits of Being HEARTSafe

Improved Chances of Survival in Emergencies icon

Improved Chances of Survival in Emergencies 

Increased Community Preparedness icon

Increased Community Preparedness

Fostering a Culture of Health & Safety icon

Fostering a Culture of
Health & Safety

La Porte City Police officers honored with the Life Saving Award for performing CPR and using an AED during a city council meeting.

Life-Saving Tools in Action

At a City Council meeting in July 2025, several members of the La Parte City Police Department were honored with the Life Saving Award for their heroic actions during a critical incident in mid-June. Specialists Fisher, Walls, Lose, and Lopez-Diaz responded to the call of an unresponsive man who was not breathing. Working together, they performed CPR and administered an AED, successfully reviving the patient before EMS arrived. Their swift action and teamwork are a powerful reminder of the critical tools that can save a person’s life.

Discover AED Locations in La Porte County

Our interactive map showcases all registered AEDs in La Porte County with over 500 and counting. Find the nearest AED to ensure quick access in emergencies.

Register Your AED Today

Help us create a safer community by registering your AED for easy access and awareness.

Upcoming Training & Events

Join us for informative sessions and hands-on learning for all ages.

  • Weight Loss Program – November 5, 2025 | Michigan City YMCA

    • Organizer: Michigan City YMCA
    • Location: Michigan City YMCA
    • Date & Time: November 5 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

  • Free CPR Class – November 8, 2025 | Michigan City Fire Department

    • Organizer: Michigan City Fire Department
    • Location: Salvation Army
    • Date & Time: November 8 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

  • Free CPR Class – November 9, 2025 | La Porte Fire Department

    • Organizer: La Porte Fire Department
    • Location: La Porte Fire Station #1
    • Date & Time: November 9 @ 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

  • Diabetes Awareness Cooking Class

    • Organizer: Healthlinc Michigan City
    • Location: Healthlinc Michigan City
    • Date & Time: November 10 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

HEARTSafe Video Resources

Explore various aspects of the HEARTSafe initiative, and prepare yourself to act in an emergency.

Watch, Learn, and Share!

See more stories and training tips on Citizen CPR Foundation’s channel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions about AEDs and our HEARTSafe community initiative.

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that analyzes the heart’s rhythm and can deliver an electric shock if needed. This shock helps restore a normal heartbeat during sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs are designed for anyone to use. They provide step-by-step voice instructions to guide you through the process.

Health Foundation of La Porte (HFL) offers grant opportunities to help organizations obtain AEDs. To apply, visit the HFL website at hflaporte.org/grants and complete their online grant application. You’ll need to share details about your organization, why you need an AED, and how it will be accessible to the community. For assistance, you can contact HFL directly.

Replacement pads and batteries can be purchased through the AED manufacturer, authorized distributors, or medical supply companies such as aedsuperstore.com or stryker.com.

It’s important to buy the correct parts for your specific AED model. Check the expiration dates on pads and batteries regularly to ensure your AED is always ready to use.

AEDs are designed so anyone can use them with no medical training required. Once the device is turned on, it gives clear, spoken instructions to guide you step-by-step. Typically, you will:

  1. Turn on the AED.

  2. Expose the person’s chest and attach the pads as shown.

  3. Follow the AED prompts. It will analyze the heart rhythm and advise if a shock is needed.

  4. Resume CPR if directed until emergency responders arrive.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a lifesaving technique that keeps blood flowing to the brain and organs until professional help arrives.

  • Call 911 immediately.

  • Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest, put your other hand on top, and lock your elbows.

  • Push hard and fast, at least 100–120 compressions per minute (to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive”).

  • If trained, give rescue breaths (30 compressions followed by 2 breaths). If not, continue with hands-only CPR.

HEARTSafe is a national initiative that recognizes communities committed to saving lives from sudden cardiac arrest. To earn the designation, a community must increase access to CPR training, place AEDs in public spaces, and strengthen emergency response systems. You can learn more at citizencpr.org/heartsafe-community.

Get Involved In Our HEARTSafe Community

Become a part of efforts by attending upcoming events, hands-on training, and supporting access to AEDs. Together, we can be ready when every second counts.

  • AED Placement & Registration
  • Community Involvement
  • Resources & Support
  • Becoming a HEARTSafe Partner

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