NorthBay Health Installs Accessible Automated External Defibrillators

Community training aims to empower locals to respond to cardiac emergencies

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:20am

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An extreme macro, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the internal structure of a human heart, glowing with electrical pulses against a dark background, conceptually representing the life-saving potential of an accessible AED device.A community-accessible AED device, installed by NorthBay Health, could mean the difference between life and death in a cardiac emergency.Napa Today

To kick off National Public Health Week, NorthBay Health installed its first publicly accessible Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at Mankas Corner in Fairfield, California. The healthcare provider also hosted a live, hands-on training session to teach community members critical life-saving skills like AED use, bleeding control, and 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 initiative by NorthBay Health to install a publicly accessible AED and provide hands-on training for the community demonstrates a proactive approach to improving emergency response and empowering local residents to save lives in the event of a cardiac emergency.