When a heart stops, every second counts.

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anytime, at any age, and without warning.

In Canada, over 35,000 people die of sudden cardiac arrest each year.

Treating sudden cardiac arrest quickly can dramatically increase the chance of survival.

The only effective treatment for sudden cardiac arrest is CPR paired with an electric shock from an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Access to an AED saves lives.

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a small, portable device that delivers a shock (an electrical current) through the chest wall of a person whose heart has stopped beating. AEDs are easy for anyone to use, as they talk you through what to do.

Here in BC, anyone is permitted to use an AED to help save a life.

The majority of sudden cardiac arrests happen outside of a hospital setting. Are you prepared?

Every Moment Counts

During a sudden cardiac arrest, it only takes around three to five minutes for brain damage to occur. After 12 minutes without treatment, the survival rate is less than 5%.

In most cases, ambulances often are not able to arrive in the crucial first few minutes. In high-traffic urban areas, rush hour traffic may radically alter EMS arrival. In rural areas, EMS have to travel long distances to reach you.

Bystander CPR and AED use can dramatically increase the chance of survival.

What to do if you witness sudden cardiac arrest:

As soon as you identify someone that has gone into sudden cardiac arrest:

1) Call 911 and send someone for the nearest AED

2) Start CPR

3) When the AED arrives, turn it on and follow the voice prompts

“These things save lives. I think every condo in Vancouver should have them. I think most homes should have them.” — Dr. Garry Henderson

AEDs should be everywhere.

In the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, a person’s chance of survival decreases by 7-10% each minute defibrillation is delayed.

By combining AED use with CPR, you can improve a person’s chance of surviving sudden cardiac arrest by upwards of 75%.

St. John Ambulance is consistently campaigning to raise public awareness of the importance of CPR and AEDs.

Talk to one our experts today to learn how you can equip your space with a life-saving AED.

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Talk to one our experts today to learn how you can equip your space with a life-saving AED.

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