Essex-Windsor EMS hopes new app can spark a surge in AED mapping, installations
The Essex-Windsor EMS is turning to smartphone tech to map lifesaving automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in the region as new legislation is set to make mapping mandatory.
Chief Justin Lammers is encouraging residents in Windsor and Essex County to use the PulsePoint app to map and register defibrillators across the region.
“Minutes matter when it comes to instances of cardiac arrest,” said Lammers in a news release. “If you’re a resident, help us map these lifesaving devices so bystanders can access them quickly when an emergency arises.”
Mapping and maintaining publicly accessible defibrillators will be a requirement when Ontario’s Bill 141 comes into full effect.
Officials report there are roughly 560 defibrillators around Windsor-Essex that have been registered, but many more have gone unregistered.
Knowing whether or not there is an AED nearby can be vital for 911 dispatchers sending first responders to an emergency situation.
“All of us have the ability to save a life,” said Hilda MacDonald, the Essex County Warden. “The key is ensuring all our public access defibrillators are mapped and registered and we are calling on the residents of Windsor-Essex to help up us achieve this lifesaving goal.”
CARDIAC CHAMPION
On Thursday, Lakeshore business owner Paul Giberson was recognized as a Cardiac Champion by Essex-Windsor EMS for his efforts to train employees at Post Packaging to use the devices.
Giberson bought an AED for his workplace.
“The idea that for a small investment of money and time our business can be better equipped and trained to save just one life is the best return on investment decision I may make,” said Giberson. “We plan to continue training as many team members as possible.”
Chief Lammers calls him an example for other businesses to follow and hopes to see a surge of new installations across the region.
The PulsePoint app is free to use and authenticates the locations of public defibrillators to be included in the Windsor Central Ambulance Communications Centre to allow for rapid retrieval.
“Instances of cardiac arrest can happen anywhere at any time and we can all help each other by being better prepared,” said Lammers.
An AED is an easy-to-used tool that can restart a person’s heart if it has stopped beating. Essex-Windsor EMS reports survival rates following cardiac arrest dramatically improve if a defibrillator shock is received by the victim within three minutes of collapse – and decrease every minute after that.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.