(Toronto) — Today, legislation to create an AED registry in Ontario passed third reading, receiving all-party support. Bill 141, the Defibrillator Registration and Public Access Act tabled by Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Robin Martin, allows 9-1-1 communications officers to direct callers to the nearest AED when a cardiac arrest is suspected.
“Today, nine out of ten people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital will not survive,” said Avril Goffredo, Executive Vice President, Ontario and Nunavut, Heart & Stroke. “This registry will make sure more lives can be saved across Ontario.”
For every minute that passes without intervention, the chances of survival of a cardiac arrest decline by about 10%. Allowing bystanders to quickly find out where to access and administer an AED saves precious minutes before first responders arrive.
“This is an historic moment, with Ontario becoming only the second province to create a mandatory AED registry that will be integrated with 9-1-1 services,” added Goffredo. “We are very proud to have been a part of it.”
Heart & Stroke congratulates MPP Martin for championing this legislation and thanks her, MPP France Gelinas and MPP John Fraser for their combined efforts, and all MPPs for their support of this important piece of legislation.
For more information
Joshua Terry
Communications Advisor, Ontario
Heart & Stroke
416-489-7111, ext. 24806 / 647-444-4391 (mobile)
joshua.terry@heartandstroke.ca
About Heart & Stroke
Life. We don’t want you to miss it. That’s why Heart & Stroke leads the fight against heart disease and stroke. We must generate the next medical breakthroughs, so people in Canada don’t miss out on precious moments. Together, we are working to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery through research, health promotion and public policy.