When entering a facility look for a sticker on the entrance door to see if the building is equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). (file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Ronald Quaroni

Cardiac Treatment

AEDs critical in saving lives: Parkland Ambulance

Feb 12, 2020 | 12:31 PM

An incident involving NHL player Jay Bouwmeester last night in a game between the St. Louis Blues and the Anaheim Ducks is highlighting the need for cardiac-emergency preparedness.

Thirty-six-year-old Bouwmeester collapsed while sitting on the bench with 7:50 left in the first period when emergency staff rushed in and administered medical aid. Sportsnet is reporting a defibrillator was used.

Lyle Karasiuk, director of public affairs for Parkland Ambulance explained having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) available for use in public spaces is crucial.

“For every minute you lie there, not breathing, having no heartbeat, your chance of survival diminishes by about 10 per cent,” Karasiuk noted. “The only thing that is going restart a heart in sudden cardiac arrest is the ability to have an electric shock.”

Bystanders can play a big role in saving someone’s life according to Karasiuk. If you notice someone collapse, first try and wake them up. If they don’t respond, call 9-1-1. Position the person on their back and if they are not breathing begin CPR and send someone to get the nearest AED.

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February marks ‘Heart Month,’ and Karasiuk hopes community members take the time to learn where the nearest AED is located.

“Look for a sticker or some sort of symbol on the entrance of a facility,” he said.

While not used very often, in the last five years Karasiuk estimates AEDs have been utilized half a dozen times to aid someone suffering a cardiac episode.

Over 350 AEDs are housed in public buildings, rinks, church’s, doctor’s offices, private businesses and organizations around Prince Albert.

A facility with two devices is the Alfred Jenkins Field House.

“One is located at the track area, the other is located at the front desk,” Lynne Schwartzenberger, recreation coordinator at the Alfred Jenkins Fieldhouse, said. “The staff do have training in standard first aid and CPR. When you take those courses, you get training on the AEDs.”

Schwartzenberger said having the devices is a nice safety net.

“We did have to use one on a fellow who collapsed,” she said.

Lyle Karasiuk said if a business or organization has any questions or inquiries about the devices to contact him for more information.

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Ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroniQuaroni