Source: Global News
The family of seven-year-old Emily Lougheed is continuing its mission to improve public access to AEDs across rural Alberta following the tragic loss of their daughter to a rare heart condition in 2020.
The latest AED installation was unveiled at Gus Wetter School in Castor, Alberta, where Emily was once a student. The new unit marks the eighth publicly accessible AED placed throughout Paintearth County through the family’s advocacy efforts.
“Our daughter Emily was a vibrant seven-year-old, she always had a smile on her face and a giggle in her voice.”
— Leanne Lougheed
After Emily’s sudden collapse while playing at a beach, her family launched Smile Like Emily, an initiative focused on expanding AED access and building heart-safe communities throughout the region.
In addition to schools, AEDs have been installed at locations including a ball diamond and a local fitness facility. The family hopes increased access to life-saving equipment will improve emergency response options in rural communities.
“If we can make our community heart safe and save one life, then I think that’s all we can ask for.”
— Leanne Lougheed
Officials note that CPR and AED use can significantly improve outcomes during sudden cardiac arrest, particularly when emergency equipment is immediately available before first responders arrive.
The Smile Like Emily initiative continues to raise awareness about cardiac emergencies while helping bring additional AEDs to communities across central Alberta.
