Government of Canada and the Heart and Stroke Foundation Install AEDs in Local Recreational Arenas Across Oxford

Ottawa, ON- Dave MacKenzie, Member of Parliament for Oxford, announced today that recreational arenas across Oxford County are now equipped with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), thanks to a partnership between the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Heart and Stroke Foundation (HSF).

There are now 13 AEDs installed in facilities across Oxford County including: 2 in Norwhich, 1 inPlatsville, 2 in Tavistock, 1 in Thamesford, 1 in Tillsonburg, 4 in Woodstock, 1 in Embro, and 1 in Ingersoll. This is in addition to the thousands of other AEDs being installed in recreational arenas across the country.

Defibrillators are electronic devices used to restart a person’s heart that has stopped beating. They are safe, easy-to-use, and while they can be operated effectively by the public, training equips people with the knowledge and skills to confidently use these devices and to deliver quick CPR.

Quick Facts

  • The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, announced this 4-year program in February 2013.
  • At this time, we estimate that 2000 AEDs will be installed by 2016; installation updates can be obtained on the HSF’s website.
  • Through this initiative, the Government of Canada is providing support to the HSF to develop a national database that will track AEDs installed in recreational arenas. The database is intended to provide local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with valuable information regarding the availability of AEDs located in their jurisdictions.
  • This initiative is funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada and carried out by the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Quotes

“Our Government is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians while encouraging active and healthy lifestyles. We are well on our way to ensuring all recreational arenas across Canada are equipped with these life-saving devices.”

Dave MacKenzie, Member of Parliament for Oxford

“Each year, up to 40,000 Canadians experience sudden cardiac arrest. As many as 85 per cent occur in public places or at home. Without rapid and appropriate treatment, most cardiac arrests will result in death. Access to early CPR and defibrillation, preferably within the first one to three minutes after cardiac arrest, increases chances of survival by as much as 75 per cent.”

Bobbe Wood, President of the Heart and Stroke Foundation

Related Products

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/media/nr-rp/2014/2014_0122f-eng.php

For more information about AED installation and training, visit

www.resuscitation.heartandstroke.ca

February 21, 2013: PM announces support for defibrillators in community hockey arenas