Automated External Defibrillator (AED)'s are portable devices that can be used to treat someone's heart who has suddenly stopped.
On May 21st, the Rotary Club of Richmond visited our partners at Chimo's main office in Richmond and donated an AED to the Women's Transition Centre. The Rotary Club of Richmond and Chimo will work closely with our partners at St. John's Ambulance to manage installation and maintenance.
Through transition and second stage housing, Chimo provides shelter and housing options for women and children fleeing violence, and seeking to stabilize their situation.
The Rotary Club of Richmond previously installed two AED's at strategic Canada Line stations in Richmond. The Rotary Club of Richmond used proceeds from previous fundraising events to purchase the AED's.
The Rotary Club of Richmond continues to work closely with our partners at St. John Ambulance and is looking into installing another AED at Lansdowne Centre.
Sudden cardiac arrest affects up to 40,000 Canadians each year. It can strike without warning, affecting people of all ages and fitness levels – and without rapid treatment, most cardiac arrests tend to result in death. After 12 minutes without treatment, the survival rate of SCA is less than 5%.
According to Saint John Ambulance, by having a device onsite, you save treatment time and improve the survival odds of a victim by administering the AED before emergency first responders arrive.