Programs & Services
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Public Access Defibrillation The Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region's Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) Program is a community program aimed at providing on-site protection in case of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart's electrical system malfunctions and the heart itself stops beating. It's unpredictable and can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. It is fatal unless treated quickly. The only effective treatment for SCA is early defibrillation. Defibrillation is an electrical shock that re-starts the heart. A machine called a defibrillator administers the shock. Traditionally, defibrillators are found only in ambulances and hospitals. But today the technology exists to have affordable defibrillators available wherever people gather. On-site personnel, with minimal training can operate these defibrillators. The Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region's Public Access Defibrillation Program is working to put these lifesaving devices - called Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) - in public locations with a high risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Businesses and organisations that have the on site protection of an AED have reported survival rates as high as 65%, in contrast to the 5% national survival rate for those who experience Sudden Cardiac Arrest without access to a nearby AED unit. The RQHR PAD Program can save lives by placing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) where people congregate-wherever people live, work and play throughout the Region. Having AEDs in strategic locations will ensure that defibrillation is immediately available when Sudden Cardiac Arrest strikes.
About the PAD Program |
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