Dufferin Arenas Receive Automated Defibrillators Through Federal Funding

OTTAWA, ON – David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, is pleased to announce that a number of recreational arenas in Dufferin County are receiving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) thanks to a partnership between the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Heart and Stroke Foundation (HSF).

“Our Government is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians while encouraging active and healthy lifestyles,” said Mr. Tilson. “We are well on our way to ensuring all recreational arenas across Canada are equipped with these life-saving devices.”

• The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, announced this 4-year program in February 2013.
• At this time, the government estimates that 2000 AEDs will be installed by 2016; installation updates can be obtained on the HSF’s website.
• Through this initiative, the Government of Canada is providing support to the HSF to develop a national database that will track AEDs installed in recreational arenas. The database is intended to provide local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with valuable information regarding the availability of AEDs located in their jurisdictions.
• This initiative is funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada and carried out by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. 

Defibrillators are electronic devices used to restart a person’s heart that has stopped beating. They are safe, easy-to-use, and while they can be operated effectively by the public, training equips people with the knowledge and skills to confidently use these devices and to deliver quick CPR.