When sudden cardiac arrest strikes, every second counts. CPR alone rarely saves a life, which is why cottagers are purchasing AEDs (defibrillators) to have at the ready.
AEDs are safe, easy to use and talk to you, helping lay rescuers deal with a traumatic, life-threatening situation.
“When someone goes into sudden cardiac arrest, it becomes a race against time,” says Deb Hennig, President of Action First Aid. “A four-minute mindset is vital: that’s how long you have to get the heart beating again before permanent brain damage begins to occur.”
“After 10 minutes, the chance of survival shrinks to nearly zero.”
Action First Aid is a National Distributor for Philips, which makes the top-selling home AED on the market. “We all have first aid kits at the cottage, and many now realize an AED is arguably the most important item to have access to.”
Many cottagers are also taking it a step further and enabling 24/7 access for their neighbours by placing their AED in an unlocked outdoor SaveStation cabinet.
“We have cottagers pooling their resources to purchase a shared AED,” Deb says. “Mounting it outside makes it available to anyone, 24/7. It’s about people coming together to look after each other in an emergency.”
New online learning program: CPR in 60
Increased access to AEDs will save more lives, but we also need to empower people to feel confident to use them. “AEDs are very simple to use, but when someone is in cardiac arrest, it’s easy to panic and feel unsure of how to help the victim,” says Deb. “That’s why we developed our new online course, ‘CPR in 60.’ You can learn the basics of CPR and how to use an AED in just 60 minutes!”
“We all know we should take a CPR course, but it’s hard to find the time,” she says. “That’s where this course comes in. It’s a perfect rainy day activity, and the whole family can learn to save a life.” Check it out at CPRin60.ca, and register before Jun 30 for an early access discount.
If you want the full hands-on experience of learning CPR, Action First Aid offers a fun and interactive Shock on the Dock program, a one-hour group workshop delivered at your location.
“Our goal is to help everyone be prepared in an emergency, and to spread awareness about the importance of quick access to AEDs – where you live, work and play.”
TEXT A. WAGNER-CHAZALON
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
