March 14, 2014 Letter to the Editor, Recorder & Times, Brockville, Ontario The recent incident involving NHL player Rich Peverley during a game between his Dallas Stars and the Columbus Blue Jackets, during which he suffered a cardiac episode, reminds us of the importance of having Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) available for Sudden Cardiac Arrest in all public places. News reports indicate that without the team doctors use of the defibrillator, Rich Peverleys medical outcome might have been substantially worsened. The NHL learned a lesson back in 2005 when Jiri Fisher of the Detroit Red Wings lost consciousness during a similar type of cardiac event. Each NHL bench is now required to have Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) within reach, as well as a team doctor seated close by. Do all public places in Leeds-Grenville and Lanark have Public Access Defibrillators and are people trained to operate those devices? The answer is no, and the time spent not putting defibrillators and trained personnel in place is time when peoples lives could be at risk. Your local St. John Ambulance Brigade offers Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for sale, as well as the training needed to operate these life saving devices. Now is the time to invest our time and resources to bring more AEDs into our everyday lives and protect our loved ones in Sudden Cardiac Arrest. For over 55 years, your local St. John Ambulance Brigade has been your partner for a safe community, saving lives at work, home, and play. Please encourage your elected representatives, business leaders, community advocates and anyone else concerned with public safety to act now and place more AEDs in places where the public gathers. Respectfully submitted by: Lt. Col. J. F. Shaver (Retd.) - Chair: Board of Directors Bud Eyre - Chief of Community Service St. John Ambulance Brigade of Leeds-Grenville & Lanark
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 06:35:06 +0000