Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest are essential to restore blood circulation to the brain and minimize cerebral injury. Early CPR and use of AEDs has been shown to double or triple SCA survival rates. However, the probability of survival decreases 13% for every minute of delay in administration of CPR and defibrillation. Despite advances in optimization, the best Canadian urban paramedic services currently average at least 7 minutes from a 9-1-1 call to arrival at the scene. Moreover, approximately 20% of Canada's population lives outside of urban metropolitan areas where response times can 12 minutes or longer and survival rates much lower.
Rapid Response to Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Theme Projects
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Drone AED Response
In more rural and remote locations, nearby public access to AEDs is unlikely and EMS response times are longer. Drone delivery of an AED to bystanders represents transformative innovation in the provision of emergency care in such settings.
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Community Volunteer Response
Rural and urban community volunteer response groups ready, equipped with AEDs and dispatched to the scene via mobile apps can close the critical window between an SCA event and paramedic arrival especially in remote communities.The Neighbors Saving Neighbors pilot study is being implemented in…