In an effort to ensure automated external defibrillators are available at more public events where large numbers of people gather, the city is now loaning out the life-saving devices.
The Public Access Defibrillator Loaner Program allows people to borrow automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for short-term community and family events within the city.
Applications for the five loaners on hand can be submitted online, and the city has outlined program guidelines on their website, which can be accessed by clicking here.
Borrowers are asked to pick up the loaner AED at the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre in Azilda, where they will receive training and an overview of the device.
When used, AEDs are credited in a recent report by city administration with increasing the likelihood of surviving cardiac arrest by 75 per cent or more.
“If someone unexpectedly collapses, is unresponsive and not breathing, that person is likely experiencing cardiac arrest,” the report notes. “Their heart has stopped beating and their blood is no longer circulating oxygen to the brain, heart, and vital organs. The person is at high risk of dying, and every second counts.”
AEDs are designed with instructions that make them easy to use, and can restart the heart of people in cardiac arrest.
“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 CPR until emergency medical services arrive.”
The city will evaluate the Public Access Defibrillator Loaner Program next year to determine whether additional units are needed.
The city’s Public Access Defibrillation program started in the early 2000s, since which time the city has placed 78 AEDs at various city-owned facilities, such as libraries, arenas, parks and beaches. Including community partners, such as school boards and private businesses, the total number of available registered AEDs in the community is 105.
In recent years, the city has been working to make more AEDs currently located indoors available after-hours by installing outdoor wall-mounted units.
This year, five units were slated to be mounted outdoors, including those at Downtling Fire Hall, Rayside Balfour Youth Centre, Lionel E Lalonde Leisure Services Fitness Centre, Coniston Fire Hall and Kivi Park.
This year’s effort costs $66,500, which includes security cameras that snap a six-photo burst when the cabinet door is opened, plus 24/7 online monitoring of the devices’ temperature, AED presence and battery life.
Tyler Clarke covers city hall and political affairs for Sudbury.com.
