Home

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.

Application Form

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

How To Apply

  • EOI Form: Complete and submit expression of interest (EOI) form below.
    • Soon after, once the EOI is accepted and approved, the NRT will communicate the next steps and confirm shipping details and timing.
    • The NRT may pay the costs of installation upon further communication with the First Nation. Recipient.
    • The NRT will provide resources such as videos on how to use the AED and will work with First Nation recipients on training needs in collaboration with St. John Ambulance.
  • Letter of Authorization: the only documentation required will be a basic “Letter of Authorization” from an authorized signatory of the Nation (eg. Elected Chief, Chair of Council, Chief Admin Officer, CEO, Chief Financial Officer, or another person as appropriate). The letter will just acknowledge that the Nation is aware of the request and approves the request to receive an AED. The authorization letter can be submitted with the EOI submission or later upon conditional acceptance and approval email from NRT.
    • Sample Letter: for convenience, you may download the sample Letter of Authorization and put on Nation letterhead, have it approved by an authorized signatory and follow instructions in the Expression of Interest form to attach it before you press the submit button. Alternatively, you can send it by email or when requested by NRT.

Download a template Letter of Authorization here

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.

Application Form

AED Indigenous Initiative

Registered Mailing Address of First Nation/Band(Required)
Would you like to receive training on how to use the AED (Virtual or in person)(Required)
Do you need support to install the AED
Accepted file types: docx, pdf, Max. file size: 5 MB.
As described with the sample provided in the “How to Apply” section above.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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.

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