WATCH: Loblaws has become the first major chain to install automatic external defibrillators in its stores. Marianne Dimain reports.
TORONTO — Automatic external defibrillators can be a literal life-saver during times of crisis, and Loblaws is placing a device in each of its locations across Canada.
Loblaws, in a partnership with Rescue 7, has installed the devices at 600 of its stores and distribution centres, becoming the first major chain to do so.
The measure has already saved a customer’s life.
Bikram Nahal, pharmacy manager at the Maple Leaf Gardens Loblaws, said a man was shopping there with his daughter when he had a heart attack.
“Luckily there were individuals in the store who were trained using an AED,” said Nahal. “They came back to the pharmacy and saved the mans life.”
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada said it’s a prime example of why more public spaces should have an AED, as they can dramatically increase the chance of survival during a medical emergency.
“Chance of survival doubles when someone is in cardiac arrest and an AED is applied, along with CPR being performed,” said Mike Hoffman, from the foundation.
Toronto emergency service have placed more than 1,500 AEDs in public places around the city, and the devices help save roughly 15 people every year.
Average response times for EMS in Toronto is just over eight minutes. Every minute someone in cardiac arrest is not receiving help decreases their chances of survival by ten per cent.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation wants to see the devices become as common as fire extinguishers
Grant Reynolds knows all too well how important the machines can be. The pianist was at a downtown YMCA last year when all of a sudden he fell down, losing consciousness. Reynolds had suddenly gone into cardiac arrest, and two bystanders rushed to save him. They performed CPR and and used an AED on Reynolds, until additional help could arrive.
“It is so important that you get the heart beating as fast as possible,” said Reynolds, recalling that day. He said it’s “so tragic when I look back at what probably would have happened, except for my exceptional luck.”
With files from Marianne Dimain
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