EIA encourages public to Save Lives with Defibrillators

https://www.heartandstroke.ca/

August 14, 2013 (Edmonton, AB) – EIA is taking active steps to encourage people to use Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs), easy-to-use automated devices that can restart a heart and save lives in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs actually talk to the user to tell them what to do and can be used by anybody!

In Canada, as many as 45,000 people die of sudden cardiac arrest each year. EIA has publicly-accessible AEDs mounted on walls throughout the airport.  On July 28, 2013, a quick-thinking passenger at EIA used an AED successfully to save a fellow passenger who was in cardiac distress.

Unfortunately, people are sometimes reluctant to use the devices, fearing that they might cause harm. Sixteen year-old Brock Ruether passed away from cardiac arrest at his high school with an unused AED beside him, because people were afraid to use it.  As a result of Kim and Wayne Ruether’s efforts, EIA is changing the signs on its AEDs to encourage passengers to use these lifesaving devices when necessary.

Event Details: Media are invited to view a Heart & Stroke Foundation demonstration of how to use AEDs. EIA firefighters and emergency responders will be available to answer questions.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Edmonton International Airport Information Booth (Arrivals Level)

Program:

11:00 a.m. Media arrive at Information Booth

11:05 a.m. Introduction – Heart & Stroke Foundation, Alberta Health Services, Kim Ruether

11:15 a.m. Heart & Stroke Foundation demonstrate use of AEDs

11:30 a.m. Media availability with:

Kim Ruether, AED public use advocate

Burl Hamm, EIA Fire Chief

Mike Hoffman, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta

John Hein, Alberta Health Services

11:45 a.m. Event ends

Event Visuals/Photo Opportunity:

• AED Demonstration
• Opportunity for media and guests to use the AEDs
• New signage