Public Access Defibrillation

Algoma District Paramedic Services has a life-saving program called PAD (Public Access Defibrillation) which makes Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) available to interested industries, organizations, schools or retailers. As of April 2014, over one-hundred (100+) of these units have been deployed throughout the area of the District of Algoma administered by the Algoma District Services Administration Board. AEDs are tools to use when aiding a sudden cardiac arrest patient before Paramedics arrive on the scene.

For every minute that passes between a sudden cardiac arrest and the use of CPR and an AED, the chance of survival drops by 7-10%. After 10 minutes the survival rate is very low. The AED should only be used if the person has stopped breathing and loses consciousness; it helps increase the chances of survival for anyone suffering a cardiac arrest.

AEDs are small portable devices that analyze the electrical activity of a person’s heart and determine if the heart would benefit from applying energy (a shock). Simple audio and visual prompts lead the user through proper use of the AED. The unit works by assisting the heart to re-establish a regular rhythm. If a person’s condition will not be improved by receiving energy from the AED then the device will not deliver energy and will instruct the user to continue CPR.

Although AED training can be beneficial for individuals who work in and use facilities where an AED is located, training is not required to use an AED. A person should never hesitate to use an AED because they have not been trained. Anyone can turn the unit on and follow the audio and visual prompts provided. People need to liken AEDs to fire extinguishers; someone with training may be slightly more skilled at using one but anyone can do it!

For more information about the Algoma District Paramedic Services’ PAD program, training please use the links in the left margin.

The PAD program is an investment in the health of your community.