Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Now, you dont have to be a doctor to save a life. New automated external defibrillators (AEDs) make it possible for even non-medical personnel to restore heart rhythmand life.

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a machine that can monitor heart rhythms. It can tell if the heart has stopped beating effectively. If required, the machine can then deliver an electric shock to the heart. Most of the time, this shock will restart the heart.

AEDs save lives

More than 35,000 Canadian lives are lost each year due to cardiac arrest. Defibrillation improves survival rates by up to 30 percent if delivered in the first few minutes. With each passing minute, the probability of survival declines by 7 to 10%. Making defibrillators easily accessible has the potential to save thousands of lives.  

Get trained

Only people who have been trained to use the AED and who are authorized to do so can use the machine. In the hands of someone who is trained, it is very effective in saving lives of people in cardiac arrest. The Heart and Stroke Foundation is working hard to ensure widespread access to AEDs in homes and workplaces, as well as public areas like airports, casinos and airplanes. The Foundation is also urging anyone in close contact with those at high-risk of cardiac arrest family members, police, firefighters, flight attendants, and security guards to become trained in the use of AEDs.  

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Companies

The following companies have Health Canada approval for sale of their AED products in Canada. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (HSFC) does not recommend or endorse specific products of any single manufacturer or distributor. HSFC encourages you to contact each company to describe your needs, obtain product information and find out how they can help you establish your AED program. Licensing information about specific AEDs may be checked through Health Canada's Medical Devices License Listing www.mdall.ca  

For more information on starting an AED program download our document titled Automated External Defibrillation: Whose life will you need to save?

HSFC Position Statement on Public Access to AEDs