Free defibrillators are available and the City of Armstrong is moving on the offer.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation advised, in May, they are researching new venues to place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public places. City council directed staff look into possible locations to recommend to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
“The Heart and Stroke Foundation has indicated that AEDs are being donated to every local government in B.C. and that 750 are to be deployed by 2017,” said deputy corporate officer Natalie Garbay.
There is no limit to how many AEDs can be requested, but the sooner the requests are made, the more likely requests will be succuessful.
Based on a criteria of busy public space, large gatherings of people, extended hours of operation, physical activity and a high portion of 50-plus adults attending, staff recommends AEDs be placed at city hall, the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Info Centre, Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Art Gallery, Royal Canadian Legion, Odd Fellows Hall and the Seniors Activity Centre.
“We should contact the organizations responsible for those locations and confirm their interest in participating in the program,” said Coun. Shirley Fowler.
Staff would advise the groups of their responsibilities for the AEDs, which would include entering into an agreement with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and committing to attending a three-to-four-hour orientation session.
“These organizations can apply online to receive an AED provided they have received a letter of support from the city,” said Garbay.
Council unanimously agreed to letters of support.
AEDs are already in place in Armstrong at the Nor-Val Sports Centre, Armstrong Curling Club, Hassen Arena, Centennial Hall and the Memorial Park swimming pool.
