Lakeshore is being proactive in helping save lives by offering a subsidy to eligible service clubs and community organizations to purchase Automated External Defibrillators.
The program was approved by its municipal council in April and provides those groups with up to 75 per cent of the cost of buying a publicly available AED. The grants of up to $10,000 are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The subsidy is limited to one installation per property.
Council approved the program, so more people can respond to a cardiac emergency when every second counts, particularly in rural areas where emergency response times may take longer.
"By partnering with local organizations and service clubs, we are helping to bring these life-saving devices to more places throughout Lakeshore," said Mayor Tracey Bailey.
The use of an AED within the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest can dramatically improve the chances of survival. Used within the first minute, survival rates can be 90 per cent. Someone experiences a cardiac event every nine minutes in Canada.
To qualify, organizations must complete the AED Subsidy intake form online and arrange a site visit with Lakeshore Fire and Rescue Services.
"Cardiac arrest incidents can happen anywhere at any time, and we know that the use of an AED can mean the difference between life and death," said Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Justin Lammers.
