Dear editor,
One of our 55+ apartments in Cochrane, Lofts on the Bow, recently received five Automated External Defibrillator Devices (AEDs).
These life-saving machines are used for sudden cardiac events. Coupled with CPR, they have been reported to increase positive outcomes up to 80 per cent.
Seventy per cent of cardiac events happen in the home: often to a neighbour, friend or loved one.
As time is of the essence, and every minute wasted reduces the survival rate by 10 per cent, an AED unit was recently placed on each floor at LOTB. One was even put in the underground garage.
It is important to note, in the event of an emergency, always call 911 first. Then, grab the AED machine. It is like a "doctor in the box" and the machine tells you what to do. No training is necessary. The applicator just has to push the button and follow the prompts. This makes using these machines easy and accessible for most people.
We at LOTB are very grateful to Two Pharmacy for their donation of an AED machine and display case, as part of their Community Roots Donation Program.
As well, we would like to thank Kari Rydl from Rydl's First Aid and Safety for selling us these life saving machines and for providing us with two presentations on the AED machine and cardiac health.
Hopefully, the AED machine will be a First Aid Standard, required with easy access for all, saving lives.
Christina Halliday
