AED Indigenous Initiative
The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Indigenous Initiative provides an AED kit to First Nations to enhance the well-being of their communities and to empower first aid leadership in First Nation communities across B.C. Having access to an AED and action from bystanders can mean the difference between life and death for someone dealing with a sudden cardiac arrest.
Overview
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Canada and for First Nation communities, especially those located in remote regions they often face greater disparities and inequities in the current health care system. Empowering First Nations and community members with training in CPR and access to AEDs can dramatically increase the chance of survival of someone during a sudden cardiac arrest while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
The AED Indigenous initiative was developed in partnership between New Relationship Trust and St. John Ambulance as a way to increase the visibility and access to AEDs in First Nation Communities.
What is an AED?
An AED is a portable device that is easy to operate and is used to diagnose and treat sudden cardiac arrest – when someone’s heart is not pumping blood to the rest of the body (ventricular fibrillation)- and is an emergency that requires immediate attention. The AED sends a shock through the victim’s chest to re-establish a sustainable heartbeat.
Did you know?
- 35,000 CARDIAC ARRESTS occur each year in Canada.
- 80% of cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital environment.
- During a cardiac arrest, it takes only 3 to minutes for brain damage to occur.
- Without CPR or AED action, the chance of survival decreases 10% per minute
- With AED action, the chance of survival increases by 75%.
- Despite their effectiveness, access to AEDs has been limited in many First Nation communities across B.C., leaving residents vulnerable to cardiac emergencies.
What is in AED Kit?
- Philips HeartStart Onsite AED
- St Johns ambulance Generic AED Alarm Wall Cabinet
- Pocket Mask w/Hard Case
- AED Wall Sign
Objectives of the Initiative
The objectives of the AED Initiative are to:
- Provide an AED kit and support for installation in First Nation communities across B.C.
- Increase visibility and access to an AED so anyone can easily locate and use an AED in First Nation communities.
- Enhance First Nation leadership in first aid and empower First Nation communities to save lives.
Who Can Apply
- B.C. First Nations
Applicant Criteria
- One AED kit per First Nation
Intake Frequency
The NRT will accept Expression of Interests (EOI) beginning in May each year and will close earlier in December each year or when current year AED stock is fully deployed.
Please note: As of November 17, 2023, the AED Indigenous initiative is now closed. All funds are exhausted.
Resources Links
The New Relationship Trust encourages applicants to reach out if you have questions, require assistance, or wish to discuss aspects of their submission.
- Explore how AEDs can make a life-saving difference (Landing page)
- Philips HeartStart OnSite AED Demo video 1 (SJA YouTube)
- Philips HeartStart OnSite AED Set Up and Maintenance Video (Philips Healthcare YouTube)
- CPR + AED Demo video (SJA YouTube)
- CPR-A and AED training half-day course (basic resuscitation for adults)
- CPR-C and AED training one-day course (resuscitation for adults, children, infants, and two-rescuer CPR)
Contact Us
The New Relationship Trust encourages applicants to reach out if you have questions, require assistance, or wish to discuss aspects of their submission.
Please contact us at the email address below and our AED team will respond soon.
By Email: AED@nrtf.ca