Cook County nonprofit Arrowhead AED launches to expand access to life-saving AEDs

In many cases, the push for change starts with something deeply personal.

That’s true for a group of Cook County residents who have turned their personal experience into action, forming the nonprofit Arrowhead AED to install outdoor Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units across the county and help save lives.

“My son had a cardiac event, and luckily he had an AED that was close by him, and a wonderful nurse girlfriend also to help save his life,” said Debbie Ryden, secretary of Arrowhead AED.

The deeply personal incident set in motion a plan to help others who may experience a cardiac-related event. Ryden and close friend Kris Smith began exploring the idea of forming a nonprofit to raise money to purchase outdoor AED units for placement in various locations throughout Cook County. Shortly after, several other community members and friends joined the initiative, each with their own personal experiences related to heart or cardiac issues.

Arrowhead AED Board Members Debbie Ryden and Kris Smith | Photo by Kalli Hawkins

AED units are commonly found inside schools, businesses, municipal or government buildings. By placing pads on an individual’s chest, an AED unit can shock the heart of an individual experiencing a heart attack or cardiac event and help restore a normal heart rhythm. However, Smith, the organization’s president, said many indoor locations where AED units are placed are closed at night, and the nonprofit wants AED units throughout the county that are “accessible 24/7.”

“Every second counts, and so we’re just trying to get awareness out and teach people how these work and help save lives,” Smith said.

So far, through fundraising efforts and strong community support, Smith said, Arrowhead AED has purchased two outdoor units. The first outdoor unit will likely be placed near the tennis courts and skate park area near the Cook County Community Center. Smith said the nonprofit is working with the community center staff and board to finalize plans.

The second outdoor AED unit location is yet to be determined. Smith and Ryden said the desired location is in downtown Grand Marais.

Arrowhead AED has been in conversations with local businesses, emergency responders, and city officials to explore partnership opportunities.

“So our mission is to raise money to help any businesses, the city, or the county with where they would like an outdoor AED,” Smith said.

While individuals may see AED units hanging on walls in various businesses or buildings, the general public may not know how to use one in an emergency.

“I just want people to realize that they’re simple,” Smith said. “Don’t be afraid. I have seen one work, and it was amazing.”

SaveStation AED units | Contributed Arrowhead AED

To provide the public with an educational opportunity, Arrowhead AED is hosting a fundraiser and AED demonstration on April 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Up Yonder in Grand Marais.

The fundraiser event includes a cookoff competition called Slobber Dobber, which Ryden said consists of “anything sloppy on a bun.” The event will also include raffles and, starting at 7 p.m., an AED demonstration for attendees.

To learn more about Arrowhead AED or sign up for the Slobber Dobber competition, contact arrowheadaed@gmail.com or call Kris Smith at 218-370-1476.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins sat down with Kris Smith and Debbie Ryden, two individuals involved in the newly formed nonprofit Arrowhead AED, to learn about the mission, community support, short and long-term goals, and the upcoming fundraiser event. Audio below.

Kalli Hawkins April 6, 2026