Are You Prepared to Help Save a Life

Every year, approximately 45,000 Canadians experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) outside of a hospital. Without immediate treatment, survival rates decrease by 7-10% for every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation.

The good news is that Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are designed so that virtually anyone can use them. Whether you're in a workplace, school, community centre, sports facility, or public building, having an AED nearby can mean the difference between life and death.

What Is an AED?

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that analyzes a person's heart rhythm and, when necessary, delivers a controlled electrical shock to restore a normal heartbeat during sudden cardiac arrest.

Unlike a heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively due to an abnormal electrical rhythm. Without immediate treatment, the person will collapse, become unresponsive, and stop breathing normally.

An AED is specifically designed to recognize these life-threatening heart rhythms and determine whether a shock is needed.

The best part? The AED makes the decision for you.

How Does an AED Work?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that AEDs are complicated. In reality, they are designed for ordinary people with little or no medical training.

1. Turn the AED On

Simply press the power button (or open the lid on some models).

The AED immediately begins providing clear voice instructions that guide you through every step of the rescue.

2. Place the AED Pads

Remove the person's clothing from their chest and attach the adhesive electrode pads exactly as shown in the pictures on the pads.

The AED then analyzes the person's heart rhythm.

3. Deliver a Shock (If Needed)

If the AED determines that a shock is necessary, it will instruct everyone to stand clear.

Depending on the model:

You may press a flashing shock button (Semi-Automatic), or
The AED may deliver the shock automatically (Automatic).

If no shock is needed, the AED will tell you to continue performing CPR.

You cannot accidentally shock someone who does not need it. The AED will only recommend a shock when medically appropriate.

Where Are AEDs Located?

AEDs are becoming increasingly common throughout Canada.

You can often find them in:

Workplaces
Schools and universities
Airports
Community centres
Shopping malls
Recreation facilities
Gyms and fitness centres
Churches
Hotels
Arenas
Government buildings
Large retail stores

They are typically mounted in clearly marked wall cabinets that are easy to access during an emergency.

Can Anyone Use an AED?

Yes.

One of the greatest advantages of modern AEDs is that anyone can use one, even without formal training.

The AED provides:

Step-by-step voice instructions
Visual diagrams
Automatic heart rhythm analysis
Clear CPR prompts
Safety reminders

Although CPR and AED training is always recommended, you do not need certification to save a life with an AED.

Why Every Workplace Should Have an AED

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone—employees, customers, contractors, or visitors.

Having an AED on-site dramatically improves survival chances because treatment can begin before emergency medical services arrive.

An AED should be considered an essential part of every workplace safety program, alongside:

Fire extinguishers
First aid kits
Emergency evacuation plans
CPR-trained personnel

More Canadian businesses are recognizing that investing in an AED is one of the most important decisions they can make for employee safety.

Purchase an AED Safety Package Today

AED Maintenance Is Important

Like any life-saving equipment, AEDs require routine maintenance to ensure they are ready when needed.

This includes:

Regular visual inspections
Checking battery expiration dates
Replacing expired electrode pads
Ensuring the device passes its self-tests
Keeping maintenance records

At AED.ca, we help organizations stay rescue-ready through professional inspections, maintenance programs, battery replacements, and pad replacement services. AED.ca Full Service Maintenance Plan

Why Choose AED.ca?

At AED.ca, we specialize exclusively in automated external defibrillators. We help Canadian businesses, schools, municipalities, sports organizations, churches, and non-profit organizations select, install, inspect, and maintain AEDs with confidence.

We carry trusted brands including:

Our team provides expert guidance before and after your purchase, ensuring your AED remains ready for an emergency throughout its service life.

Ready to Protect Your Workplace?

Every minute matters during sudden cardiac arrest.

Contact our team today for expert advice on selecting the right Automated External Defibrillator, establishing a workplace AED program, or ensuring your existing AED is always rescue-ready. Contact AED.ca