Kincaid Park installs Alaska's first outdoor SaveStation

Anchorage Fire Department Medical Consultant Dr. Michael Levy highlighted the urgency of rapid response at the installation of a new outdoor medical station in Kincaid Park. The SaveStation contains an automatic external defibrillator, a device that can shock a heart back into rhythm during cardiac arrest. This is the first such unit installed in a public park in Alaska.

The device is located at the park's nordic stadium. It is available to the public at any hour. Dr. Levy noted that survival chances drop quickly before medics arrive. He stated that early CPR buys time, but early defibrillation saves lives. He added that earlier is better.

Mayor Suzanne LaFrance explained that Kincaid Park was selected because it sees heavy use year-round. The location is several miles from the nearest fire station. At a commissioning ceremony, the mayor said people skiing, running, or attending events now have access to a critical tool.

The city earned this equipment through a contest run by PulsePoint. Anchorage Fire Department registered more AED locations per capita than any other city in the country during October 2025. As part of the prize, the city received the outdoor SaveStation plus five additional indoor AEDs.

Fire Chief Doug Schrage said the department is actively looking for more spots to place these units. He noted that the department aims to expand the network of SaveStations across the community.