GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Fruita Monument High School has installed a new automated external defibrillator (AED) in its bustling commons area, a move hailed by school leaders and healthcare advocates as a critical step in strengthening emergency response on campus.

The device was funded through a joint initiative between Family Health West, the Grand Junction Lions Club, and Fruita Monument High School (FMHS). The AED installation comes amid growing attention to youth cardiac health, particularly for high school athletes, who are 3.5 times more likely to experience sudden cardiac arrest than their non-athlete peers, according to the American Red Cross.

Commons Area Gets Strategic Upgrade

The new AED unit has been strategically placed in the commons area, a central hub traversed by more than 1,400 students daily, said FMHS Principal Newt Klusmire.

“This location ensures maximum visibility and accessibility,” Klusmire noted. “In the event of an emergency, we don’t want anyone scrambling to locate help — we want it right there.”

‘When You Need One… You Need One’

Though rare, on-campus cardiac arrests are time-sensitive emergencies where seconds matter. Family Health West President and CEO Korrey Klein emphasized that while the actual use of an AED may be infrequent, the availability of the device can mean the difference between life and death.

“The use of an AED is actually pretty rare — and that’s a good thing,” said Klein. “But when you need one… you need one.”

An AED is designed to analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver a shock if necessary. It can also coach users through CPR via voice prompts, making it accessible to bystanders with no medical background.

Community-Funded, Life-Saving Tech

The acquisition was made possible by a collaborative funding model:

• Family Health West, a local health care nonprofit, provided medical insight and financial support.

• The Grand Junction Lions Club, a civic organization known for community giving, contributed to the fundraising effort.

• Fruita Monument High coordinated the logistics and placement.

This model is part of a broader movement in school safety modernization, where AEDs are becoming as standard as fire extinguishers and security cameras.

Sports-Related Risks in Focus

According to data from the American Red Cross, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates remain startlingly low — fewer than 6% survive without intervention. The numbers are even more concerning in youth athletic settings, where exertion-related incidents can happen without warning.

Recent high-profile cases of young athletes collapsing on the field have spurred many districts to evaluate their readiness.

Dr. Elaine Harmon, a cardiologist at St. Mary’s Medical Center, said the AED is “one of the most effective tools in any first-response scenario,” particularly when used within the first three minutes of a cardiac event.

A Broader Push Across Colorado

The FMHS AED installation is part of a larger push across Western Colorado to boost emergency preparedness in schools and public spaces. Community health officials are also advocating for CPR/AED training for students, aligning with national trends to equip youth with life-saving knowledge.

Grand Junction and Fruita-area schools have steadily improved defibrillator coverage, but not all campuses have direct access yet. Advocacy groups are pushing for universal AED placement in all schools by 2026.