Can Anyone Buy an AED?
Can Anyone Buy an AED in Canada?
We have heard the staggering statistics many times. Each year, close to 45,000 Canadians will suffer from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, having early access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and an automated external defibrillator (AED) can increase the chances of survival by up to 75 per cent.
To learn more about SCA and the symptoms and risks, read our previous blog What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Why every home and workplace should have an AED
AEDs are not just reserved for hospitals. Anyone can purchase an AED for their home, 
work, RV – anywhere! Imagine having a family member or co-worker go into SCA and not being able to help due to lack of first aid training and access to an AED. Both save lives. At First Edition AED, we sell in-home AEDs and AEDs for the office and workplace. We also provide Company Onsite First Aid Training – make sure all your employees are prepared for emergency situations.
What is an AED and how does it work?
Defibrillation is a medical term used to describe the process of restoring the regular pattern of muscular contraction in the heart or restarting the heart. Therefore, an AED is an electronic device used to restart a person’s heart when they go into SCA. Defibrillation is done by using an AED on the exterior of the chest wall or directly to the exposed heart muscle. An AED can be used on children and adults alike.
Good Samaritan Law – what is it and why does it matter?
The Good Samaritan Law otherwise known as the Emergency Medical Aid Act in Alberta, 
is in place to encourage citizens to act in emergency situations by removing the threat of legal liability for any injuries or deaths that may be caused by his/her intervention. While Canada does not require a person to act during emergency situations, its laws protect those who make the decision to intervene and provide emergency medical assistance at the scene of an accident or emergency. Remember, when faced with a person in SCA, it’s important to first call 9-1-1 followed by administering CPR and using an AED.
How effective are AEDs?
Bottom line, AEDs save lives. Together with CPR, AEDs are an effective way to restart the
heart giving patients a chance at survival. The Canadian Red Cross states that the use of an AED can save the lives of 30 per cent or more of those who go into SCA. If defibrillation is delayed, survival rates decrease to approximately 50 per cent at 5 minutes. This means, the earlier defibrillation occurs, the better the outlook.
Is it difficult to use an AED? Is training needed?
It is not difficult to use an AED. By watching our training videos, you can learn how to easily set up an AED, change the batteries and most importantly, save a life! However, when you are in the heat of the moment you may need to rely on practice to act quickly and appropriately – which is why we suggest first aid training certification for every Canadian.
First Edition First Aid has a wide-array of Phillips-brand AEDs that anyone can buy in Canada – view the products on our website.
