Essex Windsor EMS asking public AED owners to upload location to PulsePoint app

In 2023, Essex Windsor EMS (EWEMS) responded to numerous cardiac arrest cases, achieving an eight-percent survival rate.

According to the Canadian Institute of Health Research, the survival rate of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests is under ten-percent in most communities, EWEMS Chief Justin Lammers told County Council at the April 17 regular meeting. Heart and Stroke Canada notes around 60,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in Canada each year, equating to one every nine-minutes.

That, Lammers told County Council, highlights “the urgent need for action to increase survival rates in our region.”

He added only a small percentage of individuals survive those types of instances without immediate CPR and defibration.

In looking to increase survival rates, Essex Windsor EMS is promoting the PulsePoint AED registry program publicly, asking all members of the public and workplaces in the region who are willing and able to support uploading the locations of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) – or also referred to a Public Access Defibrillators (PAD) when available publicly – in the region to the PulsePoint app.

Council for the County of Essex received the report he presented on that matter that underlined the importance of mapping AEDs or PADs, given the prevalence of possible cardiac arrests. Members of the public are being asked to download the PulsePoint app, take a picture of the AED in its location, and provide the required details.

From there, the PulsePoint administrator will look into approving the submission to be added to the mapping system.

The program aims to enhance AED usage and ensure their maintenance, with a focus on public awareness and training in CPR and in Public Access Defibrillator usage, Lammer said.

There is also a plan to expand education sessions to the public.

While the initiative currently relies on existing resources, there is potential for future consideration of a dedicated Public Relations Coordinator within EWEMS, Lammers explained.

Thanks to EWEMS staff dedication, Lamers said since the inception of PulsePoint in the community, the number of AEDs identified locally has grown significantly.

The AED locations are shared with EWEMS’s Communication Centre to bridge the gap in bystander CPR and defibrillation rates.

This is crucially impacting patient outcomes as the local paramedic service strives to minimize response times, it notes in the Report to County Council.

“Going forward, organizations installing AEDs will be recognized as cardiac champions in our region, with their stories shared on our social media platforms to further promote uptake across our region,” Lammers said.

“While legislation regarding AEDs in the public and workplaces is pending, proactive measures are being taken in the region,” Lammers told members of County Council.

Ontario has passed Bill 141, The Defibrillator Registration and Public Access Act 2020, but it is not yet in effect. This will not only require AEDs in work and public spaces, but also the requirement to maintain the PAD.

“While we anticipate the Act to come into effect at some point, we can’t wait for legislation to catch up to do the right thing, Lammers wrote in his report.

The Report to County Council notes there are no financial implications. EWEMS is currently leveraging the expertise of an existing team member to perform the administrative duties associated with the PulsePoint project.

“Fantastic work,” Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy told EWEMS staff.

Last year, she kicked-off an initiative in Essex where she and other members of Essex Council hosted CRP and AED training sessions with interested residents that was paid through their Council Contingency Fund.

“I always look forward to what you and your team are going to do next,” Bondy said, thanking EWEMS for their efforts.

LaSalle Deputy Mayor Mike Akpata also urged those with AEDs to ensure the devices are inspected, that pads have not expired, and batteries are charged.

County Council received the report for informational purposes.

Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press