Public Access Defibrillator Program
Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) means putting an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) where people might need them, so a casualty doesn't have to wait for an ambulance to arrive. If you place an AED where someone might have a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), and you know that someone nearby is trained to use the machine, the survival rates from an SCA will improve enormously.
The City of Cornwall and United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry initiative for the PAD program.
In spring 2004, funds were approved for the purchase of 38 Automated External Defibrillators and the development of a Public Access Defibrillator program. Since 2004, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and the province of Ontario has contributed another 53 AED's in the community. The PAD program administers these 91 AED's plus assist community partners with another 70 AEDs.
Where will the AEDs be placed?
- The AEDs have been placed in many public locations like:
City of Cornwall Township of North Dundas Bob Turner Arena North Dundas Municpal Office Cornwall Civic Complex Winchester Arena Si Miller Arena Chesterville Arena Aquatic Centre East Township of South Dundas Glen Stor Dun Lodge South Dundas Municipal Office Justice Building Morrisburg Arena Cornwall Curling Centre Township of North Stormont Aultsville Theatre North Stormonth Muncipal Office Cornwall Community Police Service Vehicle Finch Arena Cornwall Community Police Headquarters Township of South Stormont Cornwall Community Police Lockup Sout Stormonth Municipal Office Cornwall Detention Centre Long Sault Arena Lionel Chevier Building Township of North Glengarry Cornwall City Hall North Glengarry Muncipal Office Cornwall Transit Maxville Arena Cornwall Library Alexandria Sports Palace Cornwall Social Services Township of South Glengarry St. Columban's East School South Glengarry Municipal Office Cornwall Emergency Command Vehicle Williamstown Arena Cornwall Soccer Bubble Cornwall Minor Football Field Cornwall Engineering Building Marina 200/Big Ben Ski Hill (Seasonal) General Vanier Intermediate School Optimist Park Building Cornwall Finance & Economic Development General Vanier Intermediate School United Counties of S.D. & G. Building Cornwall Fire Services - United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
- Administration Building and Library - Pitt Street
AEDs are available for loan to groups for special events. Some conditions do apply. Contact the Emergency Management and Community Safety Coordinator at 613-930-2787 x 2214 for more information.
What does a PAD program look like?
To run an effective Public Access Defibrillator program the following should be considered:
- Site Survey & Needs Analysis
- Medical Oversight
- Training and Certification
- Integration with Emergency Medical Services
- AED Acquisition and Equipment Maintenance
- Quality Management System and Documentation
- Procedures and Protocols
- Promotion and Commitment
- Incident Review
- On-Site Drills
The Emergency Management and Community Safety Coordinator can assist any group interested in starting a PAD program. Feel free to contact the Emergency Management and Community Safety Coordinator at 613-930-2787 x 2214 or bnuttley@cornwall.ca
Can I be sued for using an AED in an Emergency?
In Ontario, there are two pieces of legislation which protects members of the public from civil liability. They are the Good Samaritan Act, 2001 and the Health Systems Improvement Act, Schedule N on Page 132 and 133 (Chase McEachern Act, Heart Defibrillator Civil Liability, 2007).
The Good Samaritan Act provides protection from civil liability when a person attempts to provide aid to another person during an emergency. To read the entire document including who the act applies too and its limitations, click on The Good Samaritan Act 2001.
The Health Systems Improvement Act, Schedule N on Page 132 and 133 provides protection from civil liability to a person or organization that attempts to provide aid with a Automated External Defibrillator to another person during an emergency. To read the entire document including who the act applies too, what organizations are covered and its limitations, click on the Health Systems Improvement Act and read page 132 and 133.
To read the Cornwall SD&G Emergency Medical Services Public Access Defibrillator Policy and Procedure manual click on PAD Policy and Procedure Manual.
