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AED in the News

Hockey AED Saves Life in Haldimand County

Dunnville, ON

An off-duty nurse saved the life of a 39-year-old hockey player after he collapsed in the penalty box on Saturday evening. The male, who experienced cardiac arrest, regained a pulse and breathing through CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and the use of an on-site AED (automated external defibrillator). Paramedics arrived quickly and stabilized the patient who began to regain consciousness. The patient was transported to the Haldimand War Memorial Hospital where he is reported to be in good condition.

The placement of the AED at Dunnville Arena was made possible by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario’s Heart&Stroke Restart a Heart, Restart a Life Campaign. A $3 million grant from the Ministry of Health Promotion - the largest in North America - coupled with a $1 million donation from The Frank Cowan Foundation ensured that 1,000 AEDs would be distributed throughout the province.

"Haldimand County received funding from The Heart&Stroke Restart A Heart, Restart a Life Campaign, for 14 AEDs and related training," said Bill Thomas, Interim CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. "This save is a testament to what happens when individuals in the community learn CPR and when an AED is within reach."

In this case, a 39-year-old male was playing hockey at the Dunnville Arena and shortly after returning to the bench, he collapsed. A bystander removed the defibrillator from the cabinet and an off-duty nurse went to the patient’s side. The cabinet alarm prompted attention from arena staff who quickly called 9-1-1. After one round of CPR, the nurse used the defibrillator to administer one shock, which resulted in a return of pulse.

"The odds are almost four times greater if someone performs CPR immediately, and when combined with early defibrillation, AEDs can increase sudden cardiac arrest survival rates to 50% or more if delivered in the first few minutes," says Mr. Thomas.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation, in partnership with the Ontario Government and The Frank Cowan Foundation, is making possible the purchase, installation and associated training for AEDs in communities across the province. With the help of individuals, community groups and corporate sponsors, like The Frank Cowan Foundation, one day AEDs will become as commonplace as fire extinguishers in Ontario to save lives.

"We feel that the addition of the defibrillators throughout Haldimand County has been a huge success and a tremendous benefit to the health of our community. Additionally, Haldimand County would like to thank the Heart and Stroke Foundation for their initiative to place public access defibrillators in communities such as Haldimand County. Lastly, that a call such as this shows how easy it is to learn CPR and defibrillation and ultimately how important it is," says Rob Grimwood Manager, Emergency Services/Fire Chief.