Promoting the Safety and Well-Being of School Communities

Provincial Government Supports School Defibrillator Placement Program

More than 40 schools throughout the province will receive Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) as part of the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s AED Program – Schools. Today’s announcement, held at Queen Elizabeth Regional High in Conception Bay South, was attended by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, and the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation; Innovation, Business and Rural Development, and MHA for Conception Bay South, as well as representatives from funding partners Vale and the Resource Development Trades Council (RDTC).

“This initiative is an excellent example of how a non-profit agency, community partners such as Vale and the Resource Development Trades Council, and the Provincial Government can work together to achieve a common goal – to make our schools safe and responsive to the needs of the community it serves. We are excited to be involved in the first phase of this program, and to help facilitate professional development, through the provision of substitute teaching hours, that will provide school staff with training in the use of AEDs.”
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education

The AED Program – Schools is designed to provide a safer environment for students, staff and members of the school community. Priority is provided to those schools where a student, staff member, or both, have an identified pre-existing heart condition. The program builds on the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s former Restart a Heart, Restart a Life campaign which, with $225,000 in financial support from the Provincial Government, in addition to corporate sponsorship, has placed about 170 AEDs in sporting arenas and community facilities through Newfoundland and Labrador since 2010.

“We encourage active, healthy living among all residents of our province, and having this life-saving equipment in recreational facilities, including schools, will help increase our comfort level in the event of an emergency. Working together with community partners, it is important that we continue to achieve the goals we set for the province in our recreation and sport strategy.”
- The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation; Innovation, Business and Rural Development, and MHA for Conception Bay South

AEDs allow non-medical personnel, with appropriate training, to restore heart rhythm and life. The AED uses voice prompts and text messages to tell the rescuer what steps to take, and delivers an electric shock to the heart. In combination with early Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), AEDs can increase the rate of survival from cardiac arrest by up to 75 per cent.

“With early funding for the program provided by PPI Solutions and Triware Technologies, the generous contribution from Vale and RDTC will ensure a continued focus on the installation of AEDs and associated training in schools. We commend our government and corporate partners for their commitment to health and safety in Newfoundland and Labrador and to the provision of safe environments for students, teachers, school staff and members of the community at large.”
- Mary Ann Butt, CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Newfoundland and Labrador

For more information on the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s AED program, visit: www.heartandstroke.nf.ca

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• More than 40 schools throughout the province will receive Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) as part of the Newfoundland and Labrador Heart and Stroke Foundation’s AED Program – Schools.
• The AED Program – Schools is designed to provide a safer environment for students, staff and members of the school community.
• Phase 1 of the program gives priority to those schools where a student, staff member, or both, have an identified pre-existing heart condition.
• This initiative builds on the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s former Restart a Heart, Restart a Life campaign which, with the help of a Provincial Government investment of $225,000, and further support from corporate sponsors, including Vale and RDTC, has placed about 170 defibrillators in public places since 2010.

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2014 02 24                                        1:50 a.m.