Defibrillators and training for local schools (4 photos)

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE – With 49 saves in Ontario since 2006 it’s been proven that Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can save lives, especially when they are easily accessible to the public.

The Algoma District School Board (ADSB) is pleased to announce it has received funding from the Ministry of Health for the purchase and installation of defibrillators at 21 local schools.

AEDs are vital to someone surviving a cardiac arrest and extremely effective as anyone can use them safely.

Additionally, the school board in partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, will be conducting training for hundreds of ADSB staff and community partners

Defibrillators are electronic devices used to restart a person’s heart that has stopped beating.

They are small, portable devices that identify cardiac rhythms and deliver a shock to correct abnormal electrical activity in the heart.

As a result of the sophisticated electronics in an AED the operator will only be advised to deliver a shock if the heart is in a rhythm which can be corrected by defibrillation.

If a shockable rhythm is not detected, no shock can be given and the provider will be instructed to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until emergency medical services arrive

In April 2011, the Canadian government committed to fund defibrillators and related training in hockey arenas and community recreation centres across the country. 

The continued placement of AEDs in schools is a logical next step as the number of people who use these facilities is significant. 

The Heart and Stroke Foundation has been advocating for an increased number of defibrillators and training in communities to give Canadians the tools and knowledge they need to respond to a cardiac arrest. 

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation statistics, up to 85 percent of all cardiac arrests occur in public settings or homes.

Less than five percent of victims who have a cardiac arrest outside of hospital survive.

The early use of a defibrillator along with CPR before the arrival of emergency services can increase the individual’s chance of survival by up to 75 percent.

This is critical, given that the survival rate decreases seven to 10 percent with every passing minute.

Training of ADSB staff will take place on Saturday, February 16 in two half day sessions at Superior Heights Collegiate and Vocational School (750 North Street). 

Approximately 50 ADSB employees are signed up for the training and over 20 community members including students, parent council members and coaches. 

Training will be conducted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation staff and experienced AED trainers and users, including fire and ambulance service providers. 

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Pictured: Over 100 participants, including teachers, students and principals, along with community members, took part in CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training on Saturday, February 16  at Superior Heights.