Publicly accessible AEDs unveiled in Vancouver, Surrey as part of pilot project
Credit to Author: Harrison Mooney| Date: Wed, 06 Nov 2019 20:56:10 +0000
A new pilot project from St. John Ambulance will set up automated external defibrillator stations in open, public areas in Vancouver and Surrey.
According to a news release, the charity has placed outdoor AED station in Vancouver, at the entrance to Oakridge Centre near Canada Line station, and another outside the St. John Ambulance building on 152nd Street in Surrey.
Both AED stations, unveiled Tuesday, are unlocked and fully accessible for public use in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, though they will also be alarmed and remotely monitored.
“Publicly accessible AEDs will save lives,” said Karen MacPherson of St. John Ambulance. “Up to 45,000 Canadians die each year from sudden cardiac arrests. Time is of the essence in these emergencies and people need quick access to an AED for a real chance of survival.”
“We’re piloting public AED stations at two busy locations with hope to raise awareness and interest to fund additional accessible units where they are most needed to save lives—be it public spaces, transit hubs, or public parks.”
In B.C., the average emergency response following a 911 call takes nearly ten minutes, according to BC Emergency Health Services — not soon enough to prevent brain damage, which sets in after three to five minutes, during a sudden cardiac arrest. In these instances, quick bystander action is often crucial.
“Sudden cardiac arrests can happen to anyone, at any time or level of fitness or health,” said MacPherson. “People need quick access to an AED, and everyone should be trained to give CPR.”
CPR in conjunction with using an AED increases chance of survival by 90 per cent if administered within the first minute of a cardiac arrest, according to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association.
AEDs can be found in some public locations, such as libraries, airports and community centres, but they are very rarely found outside of these areas for the public to access on a 24/7 basis.
“Oakridge Centre is one of the busiest shopping destinations in the Vancouver area, and is adjacent to a busy Canada Line stop,” said Oakridge GM Susan Nicol. “We’re very pleased to have this AED installed outside of the centre. We want everyone who comes to enjoy all that Oakridge has to offer to feel safe at all times, day or night.”
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