CALHOUN COUNTY, AL — Youth ballfields across Calhoun County are expanding their emergency preparedness efforts with the addition of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and hands-on training for coaches, volunteers, and league leadership.
The initiative includes the placement of AED units at multiple recreational facilities, along with instructional sessions led by Piedmont Rescue Director Pat Brown. The training is designed to help those on site respond in the first critical moments of a medical emergency, including the use of an AED, basic CPR awareness, and bleeding-control techniques.
The effort began more than a year ago, when Tobi Burt first started working to bring AEDs to local ballfields. Burt ultimately covered 100% of the cost of the units, helping ensure the devices could be placed at multiple facilities across the county.
Burt said the initiative was influenced in part by his own medical experience, as well as his long-standing involvement in youth athletics throughout the area. He began coaching youth sports in Alexandria more than 25 years ago and has remained closely connected to local programs.
“I hope you never have to use it,” Burt said during one of the training sessions, emphasizing the importance of being prepared while recognizing that emergencies are unpredictable.
Brown, who has more than three decades of experience in emergency medical services, provided detailed instruction on how AEDs function and how they are designed for public use. He explained that the devices analyze a person’s heart rhythm and determine whether a shock is needed, guiding the user step-by-step through voice prompts.
“This machine is designed for the lay person,” Brown said. “It’s designed for somebody in the stands to grab it and deploy it.”
He emphasized that AEDs are intended to be simple and effective, even for individuals without formal medical training, and said early use can significantly improve survival outcomes in cardiac emergencies.
Brown also discussed the importance of accessibility and maintenance, encouraging leagues to keep the devices in visible locations, ensure multiple individuals know where they are, and perform routine checks to confirm they are operational.
During the training, Brown walked attendees through real-world scenarios, including how to assess a person for breathing and pulse, when to begin CPR, and how to apply AED pads correctly. He also covered bleeding-control basics, including direct pressure, wound packing, and the appropriate use of tourniquets in severe situations.
While the session did not provide formal certification, Brown said the goal was to give participants the confidence to act quickly and effectively until emergency responders arrive.
The AED units being installed are medical-grade devices that can be difficult to obtain quickly due to supply and demand. Brown noted that some units are built to order and can take several months to arrive, but through established relationships, the devices for local fields were secured in a shorter timeframe.
Facilities in Alexandria, Saks, Pleasant Valley, and Weaver are among those receiving AEDs, with Wellborn also set to receive a unit as part of the ongoing effort.
Kyle Duncan, President of Weaver Baseball/Softball for Youth, shared the following statement:
“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Tobi Burt for his incredible generosity in donating an AED machine to the Weaver Youth League. This life saving equipment will have a lasting impact on our community and could play a vital role in an emergency situation. Tobi’s continued dedication goes far beyond this donation, as he has also contributed countless hours and effort toward revitalizing and improving our youth league fields.
We would also like to thank Pat Brown for sharing his expertise and taking the time to properly train our board members and coaches on how to use this equipment. His guidance ensures that we are prepared and confident if the need ever arises.
The Weaver Youth League is deeply appreciative of the support, commitment, and care both Tobi and Pat have shown to our program and, most importantly, to the safety and well being of our children.”
Kabrina Lester, President of Saks Youth Activities, also provided a statement to the Calhoun Journal:
“Saks Youth Activities is blessed to have received an AED from Tobi Burt. We are thankful that he and Pat Brown thought of our community when purchasing devices and offering a crash course to ensure that the board and coaches were comfortable with using the AED. Medical devices like this are a necessity in areas where large gatherings take place. Although we hope there is never a need, we are now prepared and will do everything in our power to provide care if a situation arises whether it be a player, volunteer, or fan!”
Trudy Hardegree, Treasurer of Alexandria Youth Baseball and Softball, shared the following on behalf of the board:
“The Alexandria Youth Baseball and Softball Program extends our heartfelt thanks to Tobi Burt for the generous donation of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This gift strengthens the safety of every player, coach, and family member who steps into our park. We also want to express our appreciation to Pat Brown for his efforts to make it possible for the AED to be purchased. We would also like to thank Pat for taking the time to teach our staff how to properly and confidently use the device. Your commitment to our athletes and our community makes a real difference. Thank you from the Alexandria Youth Baseball/Softball Board.”
Organizers say the addition of AEDs and training represents a proactive step toward improving safety at youth sporting events, where large crowds gather and response time can be critical in the event of a medical emergency.
By combining equipment placement with practical instruction, those involved say the initiative is focused on ensuring that local communities are not only equipped, but prepared.
