Public will have access to defibrillators at state beaches in Narragansett

This story was updated to add additional information.

NARRAGANSETT – Defibrillators are being installed at state beaches in Narragansett for use by the public, according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

"These devices can provide critical lifesaving support during times when lifeguards and DEM staff are not onsite, especially during the shoulder seasons and evening hours during the summer," the DEM said in a Facebook post.

Defibrillators are used to apply an electric charge or current to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Which RI beaches have a defibrillator?

The defibrillators and bleed control kits are being deployed at Roger Wheeler State Beach, Scarborough North State Beach, Scarborough South State Beach, Salty Brine State Beach, and Fisherman’s Memorial State Campground, the DEM said.

The defibrillator stations are linked to the Narragansett Fire Department and E-911 dispatch. The device can be accessed in an emergency by dialing 911 to receive a code.

The AEDs were purchased through a partnership with Life Safety Solutions, LLC , and the money was raised through a Waterman Eco-Challenge fundraising event at Roger Wheeler State Beach in July, according to Evan LaCross, a DEM spokesman.

"DEM has AEDs in place at many of our beach facilities, but these newly installed AEDs are uniquely publicly accessible," LaCross said. "DEM will consider the potential for installing additional publicly accessible AEDs after assessing the usage data of these new AEDs during the upcoming beach season."

Sponsors and community partners also include Summer Safe Ocean State, Waterman Eco-Challenge, Life Safety Solutions, University Orthopedics, Inc., Narragansett Lions Club, 100 Club of RI, South County Gives, Lathrop Insurance, Cape Cod CPR, Rescue One.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Public will have access to defibrillators at state beaches in Narragansett