News Release


More Students Learning How To Save Lives

McGuinty Government Invests In Defibrillators and Training

September 29, 2008

Ontario is helping to save lives by investing in defibrillators, training materials and specialized training for high school teachers.

A $1.4-million investment from the province will help the Advanced Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation train teachers on how to use a defibrillator and perform CPR. The teachers will pass this knowledge on to their students, allowing them to recognize and offer help at the scene of a cardiac arrest. The ACT Foundation is a national charitable organization dedicated to promoting health and empowering youth to save lives.

More than 6,500 Ontarians die from incidents of sudden cardiac arrest each year. Evidence shows that early intervention by trained personnel using an automated external defibrillator (AED) can save lives. If an AED is used along with early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), survival rates can improve by up to 50 per cent or more.

Quotes

"This is a valuable learning opportunity for students – and can help our communities. Young people who are trained and ready to act could save a life," said Education Minister Kathleen Wynne.

"This partnership with ACT complements our governments' commitment in making school environments healthy and safe for all students, teachers and staff," said Health Promotion Minister Margarett Best.

"This is the first major commitment for AED training for youth in Canada. It builds on the CPR training students already receive. We are thrilled with the Government of Ontario's support. An unprecedented number of young people will be empowered to save lives through this initiative," said Sandra Clarke, Executive Director, Advanced Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation.

Quick Facts

  • Last year, Ontario provided $3 million to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario to place approximately 1,000 automated external defibrillators in communities across Ontario.
  • The government also passed legislation providing liability protection to individuals who attempt to use an automated external defibrillator in an emergency.
  • Ontario's investment in high school defibrillator training builds on its 2004 commitment to help the ACT Foundation establish the CPR program in Ontario high schools.

Learn More

Read more about the Advanced Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation's high school CPR program.

Learn to identify the warning signs of cardiac arrest.

Find out where you can take a CPR course near you.