Northumberland Paramedics have partnered with the Town of Cobourg to station two Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at the waterfront during the summer.
The portable medical devices offer immediate life-saving support to victims of sudden heart complications until paramedics arrive.
Officials say immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), in combination with access to an AED, may increase the chance of survival for a victim of sudden cardiac arrest by 75 per cent or more.
“It is important that AEDs are present in our community, especially in high-traffic areas such as the Cobourg waterfront during the summer months,” stated Northumberland Paramedics Chief Bill Detlor.
“The increased access to AEDs in our community allows everyday citizens to take quick and effective action in the event of a medical emergency, increasing the likelihood of a first responder being able to save a life.”
The two AEDs — located at the Waterfront Tourism Information Booth near the canteen and splash pad — were established for the recent Waterfront Festival over the July long weekend.
Last year, Northumberland Paramedics’ fundraising efforts resulted in the donation of six AEDs to community organizations through the Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) Program.
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“We sincerely appreciate the partnership with Northumberland Paramedics to ensure the waterfront is equipped with these lifesaving AEDs over the summer,” said Shannon Murphy, Cobourg Emergency Planner.
“Our waterfront is an accessible, family-friendly destination that experiences enormous local and tourist traffic over the summer months. We want people to enjoy themselves while they take in all that our great community has to offer, and enhancing the safety of our waterfront attraction is a big part of this formula.”
In addition to donations, Northumberland Paramedics also participates in community AED education and information sessions. Representatives will participate in Cobourg waterfront’s emergency response drill on July 28.
Community organizations interested in applying to receive an AED through the Northumberland Paramedics PAD Program may submit an application to paramedics@northumberlandcounty.ca. The PAD Program application form is available at: northumberlandcounty.ca/PADProgram.
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