A new program is in place to bring potentially life saving devices to local businesses.
Borough President James Oddo kicked off "The Heart Project" Wednesday.
The program encourages small business owners to apply for a free Automated External Defibrillator, or AED.
The electronic device restores regular heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest.
Applicants will be eligible to receive an AED after their employees complete a CPR certification program.
"Statistics show 70 percent of people do not even know CPR or don't feel adequately trained enough to start CPR so by getting these Defibrillators in the community and more CPR training - we just want people to feel comfortable to know what to do in an emergency situation," said Rachel Volpe, Director, SI Heart Society.
20 AED's are available.
Business owners can apply through Staten Island USA.com