City thinks with its heart

By Jeremy Deutsch - Kamloops This Week - June 26, 2008

In the event of a cardiac emergency, automated external defibrillators (AED) are proven to save lives. So the city of Kamloops, as part of its “Healthy City” model, is installing AED’s in 12 recreational facilities over the next year. Starting this fall, nine facilities, including all of the city’s hockey rinks, Canada Games Pool, Westsyde Pool and Tournament Capital Centre, will get outfitted with AEDs. Next spring, three more outdoor facilities, including McDonald Park Pool and Riverside Beach, will get AEDs. The overall cost of the AED program is $48,631 with an annual cost of $13,500 for training, certification and maintenance. The B.C. Ambulance Service is thrilled with the city’s decision. Paul Swain, director of Interior operation for the service, said the odds on a person surviving a cardiac arrest is increased by early CPR and early defibrillation. “By having the AED machines available in public places, that will certainly increase the patient outcomes,” he said. Swain said he’s not aware of any other similar initiatives in the Interior and applauded the city for taking the lead. According to Swain, the machines are effective, easy to use and provide clear instructions to take the user through the process. “It’s a positive step for the community and a positive step for health care,” he said. A staff report concluded with more than 500,000 people visiting Kamloops each year and participating in events hosted by city facilities, the opportunity for a cardiac incident is increasing. Byron McCorkell, director of parks, recreation and culture, said the initiative is part of the city’s strategic plan to increase health awareness. “It’s a trend that’s going around North America,” he said. Part of the initiative will be training staff at the facilities in the use of AEDs. It’s expected 65 lifeguards and 15 fitness leaders will be certified as AED responders.