The District of Sparwood has installed a fully-accessible Automated External Defibrillator (AED) ‘SaveStation’ at the Sparwood Leisure Centre that can be accessed after the building is closed.
Mayor David Wilks said the installation of the AED in an area that was fully-accessible was part of the districts commitment to public safety.
“This SaveStation was placed in an area that is central to where activity occurs in Sparwood,” he said.
“Its location, next to the washrooms at the Spray Park is surrounded by sports fields, courts, parks, and in an area where many community events often take place. So many of us are impacted by sudden cardiac arrest, and when someone is in distress, every minute matters. It really brings a peace of mind to Council to know that this is here, available any day of the week, or time of day.”
The installation of the SaveStation is fully funded through a grant from the Canadian Pacific Rail (CP), ‘CP Has Heart Community Fund Grant’.
It is fully weatherproof, temperature controlled, remotely monitored, and provides voice commands when the device is being utilized. To prevent theft, upon opening the cabinet, a visual and audible alert will sound, and a built-in camera will take a photo.
Videos on the use of the AED will be shared within the community to empower residents to lead how to use the device. Residents are reminded that in any emergency assess the scene for personal safety and call 9-1-1 first.
READ MORE: Crown Mountain coal project on track for 2023 construction
Is there more to this story?
scott.tibballs@thefreepress.caLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
