Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Grant

The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Grant is administered by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) through its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division. This state-funded program is designed to strengthen emergency medical response capabilities across Indiana by equipping Basic Life Support (BLS) non-transport providers with critical lifesaving equipment. The program prioritizes organizations that are often first on the scene during cardiac emergencies, recognizing that rapid access to AEDs and related supplies can significantly improve survival outcomes. The primary purpose of the grant is to support both the development and operational readiness of EMS providers responding to cardiac arrest incidents. Funding is specifically allocated for the purchase of AED devices and associated supplies, ensuring that eligible organizations have access to reliable and compatible equipment. The program emphasizes standardization and compatibility by requiring all purchases to be made through a designated state-approved vendor, J&B Medical, which offers a catalog of approved AED products aligned with state purchasing agreements. Funding under this opportunity is capped at a maximum of 2500 dollars per eligible EMS Commission-certified BLS non-transport organization. While organizations may purchase equipment exceeding this cap, they are responsible for covering any costs beyond the awarded amount. Notably, the funding structure is not reimbursement-based; instead, approved purchases are billed directly to IDHS by the vendor, eliminating upfront financial burden for awardees when purchases remain within the funding limit. All purchases must comply with the state qualified purchasing agreement and be selected from the approved catalog. Eligibility for the grant is limited to organizations that are either currently certified as BLS non-transport providers by the state or are actively in the process of obtaining such certification. Advanced Life Support organizations may also qualify if they maintain a BLS non-transport division. Additionally, all applicants must be actively reporting fire or EMS data through the state ImageTrend system and must be in good standing at the time of application. These requirements ensure that funding is directed toward organizations that are operationally active and integrated into the state’s emergency response infrastructure. The application process is conducted through an online Smartsheet form and requires applicants to provide detailed organizational and operational information. Applicants must submit their department name, certification number, and contact details, along with a justification narrative that clearly outlines service gaps and demonstrates the need for requested equipment. This narrative must include a description of the organization’s service area, existing EMS resources, and an explanation of how the requested equipment will address identified deficiencies. Applications are evaluated through a scoring and ranking process, after which selected organizations are notified of their award status. The application cycle for this grant opened on September 1, 2025, and closed on November 30, 2025, at 1159 pm Eastern Time. Approved purchases may be made from the time of award through June 30, 2026. For inquiries or technical assistance, applicants may contact the program representative via email or phone as provided in the official notice.