NORTH YARMOUTH — The town has kicked off an initiative geared toward reducing heart damage, boosting survivability, and enhancing the quality of life for people who experience a heart attack, stroke or sudden cardiac arrest.

The town was designated a HeartSafe community in March, according to a recent Fire Rescue Department press release. The HeartSafe program, a collaborative between Maine Emergency Medical Services and the Maine Cardiovascular Health Council, in part recognizes efforts to provide strong cardiovascular-related emergency care, according to the town.

The Fire Rescue Department has partnered with the Maine Cardiovascular Health Council and Lifesavers, a New Jersey company that provides emergency medical response products and training, to offer businesses the chance to place automatic external defibrillators in workplaces at a discount.

A portable, user-friendly electronic device, the AEDs automatically diagnose possibly life-threatening heart rhythms, according to the press release.

While an AED usually costs between $1,250 and $1,500, the town can provide a Defibtech Lifeline AED with a five-year battery pack, manual, adult pads, warranty, and quick-use card for $675, the press release said.

The North Yarmouth Fire Company, a group of current and former members of the Fire Rescue Department, bought and donated four AEDs to that department, according to the town.

Purchase inquiries can be directed to Fire Rescue Chief Greg Payson at 829-3025 or firechief@northyarmouth.org.

Alex Lear can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 113 or alear@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @learics.