An Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, is a medical device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electric shock, or defibrillation, to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, and can be found at several public places throughout Grey and Bruce counties.

The South Bruce Safe Communities Committee, co-led by the Grey Bruce Health Unit (GBHU), has spearheaded an initiative to create a comprehensive, up-to-date list of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) locations in Grey-Bruce.

In a November 30 media release, AEDs are small, portable, easy-to-use medical devices that can help restart the heart of someone who has gone into cardiac arrest and can be found in community centres, halls, churches, schools, businesses, and other public places.

A map of AED sites in Bruce County is available at brucecounty.on.ca/living/healthcare. AED locations in Grey County can be viewed at grey.ca/resident-services/paramedic-services/public-access-defibrillation.

“Having a current picture of where AEDs are located in Grey-Bruce will allow residents to know if the space they’ll be using has one of these potentially life-saving devices available," said GBHU Health Promoter and Co-Leader of the South Bruce Safe Communities Committee (SBSCC) Kaela Sales. "It also reveals any gaps in AED availability in Grey-Bruce and locations where new AEDs could be placed in the future."

About 35,000 cardiac arrests occur annually in Canada, with about 80 percent happening outside of a hospital. About one in 10 victims do not survive. Performing CPR and using an AED on a person experiencing cardiac arrest can double their chances of survival.

CPR and Defibrillation training and recertification is available through several local organizations.

Organizations, groups, and businesses with AEDs can add their locations to the local AED lists by emailing PAD@grey.ca (Grey County) or info@brucecounty.on.ca (Bruce County).