Defibrillator update

Being small and mighty sometimes has its advantages. this defib project continues to move forward as it travels through committee meetings and then to council.


From Stratford Gazzette

Defibrillators could be coming to local public buildings, arenasGazette Staff City staff is recommending Stratford accept a $20,000 grant from the Festival City Rotary Club to place portable defibrillator units in local facilities.
The issue was to be considered at a community services subcommittee meeting earlier this week.

In an interview in February, Mayor Dan Mathieson told the Gazette he supported the move and the portable defibrillators could prove to be a lifesaver.

"The use of automated external defibrillators can save a life and the technology is so advanced anyone can use them," said Mathieson, in the interview. "It's another opportunity for us to protect our citizens."

At that time, Dan Martin, director of community services, also supported placing the defibrillators in community buildings.
Though the Rotary Club grant would be used to purchase the machines, the community services department would likely have to train staff on how to use the units.

Automated external defibrillators are used to restore heart rhythm after a person has gone into cardiac arrest. Training would be required for city staff and only those who have been trained would be permitted to use the machine.
There are no defibrillators in any city-operated buildings in Stratford, though the province is currently considering legislation that would require the devices to be available in all public buildings, said Mathieson.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, more than 35,000 Canadians die from cardiac arrest each year. Defibrillation boosts survival rates by up to 30 per cent if administered within minutes of a person suffering cardiac arrest. Every minute which passes decreases the survival rate by seven to 10 per cent.