Public Access AEDs
The Use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Public Settings Helps Saves Lives
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can strike at any time—during work, while at church, or while visiting your local business. Fewer than 10% of SCA victims typically survive, but studies show that 30% to 50% would likely survive if CPR and AEDs were used within five minutes of collapse. Communities across the country are responding by implementing Public Access Defibrillation programs. Public Access Defibrillation programs include both access to AEDS and training.
Comox Fire Rescue knows the value of AEDs as we carry AEDs on most of our emergency vehicles and also have one mounted in our fire station. We currently have about twenty-four public access AEDs in our community.
We are hoping to have more and more public access AEDs available in our community, particularly in local business where many of our citizens spend a lot of time. Our long term goal is to have an AED available in almost every business. Public access AEDS are very simple to use, maintain and do save lives!
A public access AED can be placed where the public can access it or placed at your service counter/reception area with signage in your business indicating it’s availably. A public access AED located in your business can help to save the life of a valued customer, staff member or even yourself.