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The Town of Gibsons and the Rotary Club of Gibsons have collaborated to install automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, in three high-traffic Gibsons locations – Mike’s Place in Gibsons Landing, the Gibsons Marina on Prowse Road and inside the washroom facility at Armour’s Beach. The Rotary Club of Gibsons provided the three AEDs, and the Town of Gibsons installed them.
An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs are small portable machines that analyze a person’s heart rhythm, determine whether a shock is needed, and use voice or screen prompts to guide the rescuer through the process.
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, as many as 45,000 Canadians experience a sudden cardiac arrest each year. Early access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation (one to three minutes after cardiac arrest) is vital. These actions may increase the chance of survival by 75 percent or more.
“We offer our sincere thanks to the Rotary Club of Gibsons for this generous and possibly life-saving donation,” said Mayor Bill Beamish. “While no-one ever expects to need an AED, it is reassuring to know that they are now available in some of Lower Gibsons’ busiest areas.”
“These three units are just part of a Coast-wide program of 20 AEDs, spearheaded by the Rotary Club of the Sunshine Coast, Sechelt, and financed by a grant from Sunshine Coast Community Forests,” added Chris Wolfe, president of the Rotary Club of Gibsons.
Within the Town of Gibsons, AEDs may also be found at London Drugs, the Gibsons and Area Community Centre, Gibsons Curling Club, the Gibsons & District Aquatic Centre, Harmony Hall, Marketplace IGA, and the Gibsons Public Market. A Google Map-linked list of AED locations in the Town of Gibsons may be found at gibsons.ca/aeds.
Submitted by Town of Gibsons
