The Importance Of Having Quick Access To An AED

What is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?

If there is a situation when time is most definitely of the essence it is during a sudden cardiac arrest. In cases of sudden cardiac arrest, access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can mean the difference between life and death.

According to St John Ambulance, “…the probability of survival (during a sudden cardiac arrest) declines by 7-10% with each passing minute before AED application. With each passing minute being so critical, the BC PAD Program Registry – helps people to locate the nearest AED in the least amount of time possible.”

What is an AED?

An AED is a small, lightweight, portable device that can automatically diagnose life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (also known as Sudden Cardiac Arrest) and is able to treat them through defibrillation. Defibrillation is the application of electricity which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.

The BC PAD Program is the first step in what the Foundation believes needs to be a province-wide goal to place AEDs in all public spaces. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC is making AEDs available in public places where there is a risk someone can suffer a cardiac arrest.

An AED for your workplace

St John Ambulance offers a guide to purchasing an AED for your workplace. Different models offer different features, but all AEDs are easy to use and possess three basic elements – battery; main unit which analyzes heart rhythm and generates the electrical charge; pads that deliver the shock.

For more information on the BC Public Access to Defibrillation (PAD) Program simply click here –

To register your AED so that anyone in urgent need can find out you have one on-site and make use of it you can find the BC PAD Program Registry by clicking here.

Safety Driven – TSCBC recently purchased an AED and staff in the office have completed training in its use.

For more information on purchasing an AED for your workplace, get in touch with St. John Ambulance.

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