Fulton wants to move defibrillator tracking out of Excel

Fulton County tracks its automated external defibrillators in an Excel spreadsheet. Now staff wants a dedicated system to help keep the emergency equipment ready for use—and is asking commissioners on November 18 to authorize up to $149,100 for a five-year program.⁠[1][2]

The county’s AED program began with about 100 devices and is projected to exceed 300, according to the Department of Real Estate and Asset Management. That projection includes planned deployment in county Police and Marshal’s Office patrol vehicles, with further growth anticipated as new and renovated county facilities open. It is not a count of completed installations.⁠[1]

The department says spreadsheet tracking has become increasingly difficult and creates opportunities for human error in recording device locations, maintenance needs, expiration dates and operating status. Pads and batteries must be replaced before they expire so the devices remain available for emergencies.⁠[1]

The proposed Zoll PlusTrac purchase is for management services, not 300 new defibrillators. Staff says the system would centralize inventory, maintenance and expiration tracking and compliance records. The vendor’s proposal also includes implementation support, EMS registration and agency filings.⁠[1][2][3]

Equipment replacement adds another tracking challenge. The department says its original Powerheart G3 units are being replaced with Powerheart G5s because it was notified that replacement pads and batteries for the G3 will no longer be manufactured beginning in 2028.⁠[1]

The requested spending ceiling is not a settled purchase price. Cardiac Solutions’ attached August 11 quotation lists 300 five-year management units at $441.15 each, totaling $132,345—below the $149,100 authorization sought. That quotation lists a September 10 expiration date, before the scheduled vote. The final purchase price remains unresolved in these records.⁠[2][3]

Staff proposes paying from the county’s General Fund. Item 26-0809 on the November 18 agenda requests approval; it does not establish a completed purchase.⁠[1][2]