Regional program lends out defibrillators for free
WATERLOO REGION — Easy-to-use defibrillators can be borrowed for free from the region by smaller organizations and event organizers to have at the ready in case of an emergency.
Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services has five automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) that can be loaned out for shortterm use. It can provide more if needed.
“These are here. They are available and you never know when it’s going to happen,” said Nic Smith, who oversees the loaner program.
An average of one a month was loaned out in 2018 through the program, which was launched in mid-2017. But the region would like to see more borrowing of the life-saving equipment, knowing what a difference it can make for a person who suffers sudden cardiac arrest.
Often cardiac arrest strikes people who are between 30 and 50 with no history of heart trouble.
“It’s more patients that are young, otherwise healthy involved in a physically demanding activity,” Smith said.
The more defibrillators in public spaces, the better the outcome for patients. About 500 cardiac arrests happen in the community in a year.
“We definitely see a higher survival rate when an AED is included in the care of that patient,” Smith said.
About 450 public access defibrillators are stationed throughout the region, primarily in public facilities. Use of those defibrillators varies from year to year, ranging about five to 10 times a year.
Defibrillators are part of CPR training, but anyone can use the device.
“They’re extremely simple to use. They will basically talk the person through exactly what they need to do,” Smith said.
Guelph started loaning out defibrillators in 2016. It was thought to be the first program of its kind in Canada.
Waterloo Region saw a need here at community events, such as fall fairs, music festivals, weddings and school trips.
Borrowing one is easy. People simply need to fill out the online registration form or call the region.
Find out more at regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/public-access-defibrillator.aspx.