Bolt for the Heart donates 100 AEDs to Hoosier organizations

Bolt for the Heart presented 100 automated external defibrillators to Indiana public safety agencies and community organizations on March 19, funded by proceeds from the nonprofit’s 2025 Bolt for the Heart 5K.

Bolt for the Heart presented 100 automated external defibrillators at a March 19 event held at the Carmel Clay Public Library. The Carmel-based nonprofit purchased the devices with proceeds from its 2025 Bolt for the Heart 5K, which attracted more than 3,200 runners and walkers on Thanksgiving morning. Gov. Mike Braun attended the presentation and thanked the organization for its work since launching in 2010. The donation places devices with public safety agencies and community organizations across Indiana. Key details: - 100 AEDs were donated during the March 19 presentation. - 50 of the AEDs were given to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, bringing Bolt for the Heart nearly halfway to its goal of supplying 800 AEDs to that agency. - Other recipients included the Westfield Fire Department; Carmel police and fire departments; Indiana State Excise Police; Indiana Capitol Police; Conner Prairie; and the American Heart Association. - Glenn Amos, vice president of operations for the 500 Festival, announced that the Mini Marathon on May 2 will be a Bolt for the Heart Rescue Ready Race with more than 150 AEDs stationed along the 13.1-mile route. - Carmel resident Danny Rhoad described how an AED at Grand Park was used by a Westfield police officer to save his life in 2016 after a baseball struck his chest; he was 13 at the time and has since returned to Indiana to begin his career. - Bolt for the Heart launched in 2010 and used proceeds from its 2025 5K to fund this round of AED purchases. Summary: The donation increases the number of AEDs available to first responders and community venues across several Indiana jurisdictions. The organization framed the gift as part of ongoing efforts that began in 2010 and funded the devices with proceeds from the 2025 5K. The 500 Festival Mini Marathon on May 2 will be designated a Rescue Ready Race with AEDs placed along the course.