NorthBay Health installs accessible Automated External Defibrillators

The training aimed to help equip attendees with critical, life-saving skills including AED use for cardiac emergencies, techniques to stop the bleeding as well as Narcan administration.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:20pm

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A translucent X-ray photograph revealing the internal components of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) device, conceptually illustrating how this life-saving equipment can empower community members to respond quickly to medical emergencies.A community-accessible AED device, installed by NorthBay Health, could mean the difference between life and death in a cardiac emergency.Fairfield Today

To kick off National Public Health Week, NorthBay Health installed its first publicly accessible Automated External Defibrillator at Mankas Corner, while meeting with the community and local businesses for a live, hands-on training. The training aimed to help equip attendees with critical, life-saving skills, including Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use for cardiac emergencies, techniques to stop the bleeding, as well as Narcan administration.

Why it matters

By placing an AED in a high-traffic community location and training local business owners, NorthBay Health is hoping to improve emergency response before first responders arrive, reduce complications and increase survival rates, and empower everyday community members to save lives.

The details

Dozens of people showed up to the event looking to learn how to have better responses in critical times when sudden cardiac arrests take place. According to the American Heart Association, survival rates can double or triple when an AED is used quickly.

  • The training took place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • The Automated External Defibrillator at Mankas Preview Center is located at 2529 Mankas Corner Road in Fairfield.

The players

NorthBay Health

A healthcare provider that installed the first publicly accessible Automated External Defibrillator at Mankas Corner and hosted the training event.

Mark Behl

The President and CEO of NorthBay Health, who spoke about the importance of providing access to life-saving equipment in the community.

Kyle English

The Captain of Suisun Fire Protection District, who spoke about the importance of community members being able to respond quickly before first responders arrive.

Sharon Song

The NorthBay Health spokesperson, who said most people were eager to learn how to use the AED after hands-on training.

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What they’re saying

“Because public health is about showing up for people where they are. At NorthBay Health, we believe care starts in the community, not just in our hospitals. This is the first AED accessible to all our community, not just for one private business, and that matters. Providing access to care shouldn't be limited to a clinic or a hospital – it extends to life-saving equipment.”

— Mark Behl, President and CEO of NorthBay Health

“From a first responder's perspective, we know those first few minutes can make all the difference. Having an AED right here in the community gives people the chance to step in and save a life before we arrive. We're proud to partner with NorthBay Health and grateful for their continued support and leadership in building a safer, more prepared community.”

— Kyle English, Captain of Suisun Fire Protection District

“Most people were asking, 'How do you use it?' Once people had more hands-on training, they started to feel a little more comfortable. You began to learn that every three pumps equals one heartbeat, and also the device would help tell you waht to do, like when is the time to do the shock part. Once there was an understanding of that, most people weren't getting scared anymore.”

— Sharon Song, NorthBay Health spokesperson

What’s next

The Napa Fire Department and the Suisun Fire Department plan to continue partnering with NorthBay Health to provide more community training sessions on using AEDs and other life-saving techniques.

The takeaway

This event highlights NorthBay Health's commitment to improving community access to critical emergency medical equipment and empowering local residents with the skills to respond quickly and confidently in a cardiac emergency, which can significantly increase survival rates.