Source: Collingwood Today
Life-Saving AED Spurs Local Emergency Response Network
A little more than a year ago, an AED (automated external defibrillator) was installed inside of the Silver Glen Recreation Centre.
However, as the centre requires a key fob to open the door, some Silver Glen residents raised concern that it was a hurdle that would be difficult to jump over in an emergency, so the condominium board decided to install a new one outside the doors at the entrance.
That then inspired a chair reaction that brought the 185-home Silver Glen Preserve community together.
And the community is now helping the SaveStation AED provider encourage their model in other communities across Collingwood and beyond.
“It really makes you feel like you’re part of something,” said Jim Steele who, with his wife Dianne, have spearheaded the efforts in Silver Glen.
“To watch the response has been heartwarming. It’s a cool story.”
The Steeles live across the street from the entrance to the Silver Glen Recreation Centre. They took an interest in the AED at the centre as seniors, although they note that sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at anytime.
As each minute ticks by from the onset of sudden cardiac arrest, the likelihood of survival decreases, so every minute counts.
“If you have to wait for the paramedics or the fire department, they’re still probably eight or nine minutes away. By then, you’re out of time,” said Jim. “Our thought was, if you can get somebody else to come who lives nearby, we can do it in a minute or two.”
“That’s what really got us motivated,” he said.
The concern set the wheels in motion.
“Someone needed to own this thing and push it ahead,” said Jim. “We reached out to our neighbours to find out who would want to help save somebody’s life.”
Dianne and Jim were able to set up a Silver Glen WhatsApp group with community members who would be willing to assist in the event of an emergency. The group started at three members, but has since ballooned to 77 community residents all in different areas of the Silver Glen community. Some group members have a medical background as retired doctors, nurses or paramedics.
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