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Resolution 13-13F

Placement of Automated External Defibrillators and the Required Training in All Public Facilities and Schools

Date:
October 3, 2013
Expiry Date:
December 1, 2016
Active Status:
Expired
Sponsors:
MD of Fairview
District:
4 - Northern
Year:
2013
Convention:
Fall
Category:
Emergency Services
Status:
Archived
Vote Results:
Defeated
Preamble:

WHEREAS ventricular fibrillation is the most common cause of cardiac arrest, and is treated with electrical shock using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED); and

WHEREAS approximately 40,000 people in Canada experience a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) each year, representing one SCA every 12 minutes; and

WHEREAS studies have shown that 92% of Sudden Cardiac Arrest patients may survive if shocked in the first two minutes; and

WHEREAS 75% of Sudden Cardiac Arrest deaths in children occur on school property; and

WHEREAS the Alberta Safety Code and the Alberta School Act do not legislate the placement of AED units in public facilities or schools;

Operative Clause:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties request the Government of Alberta to amend the Alberta Safety Code to require the installation of Automated External Defibrillators in all public facilities and schools; and

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Government of Alberta mandate that all owners and employees working in public facilities and schools maintain Basic First Aid Training to include training in use of Automated External Defibrillators and to practice regular skill drills.

Member Background:

The Council of the Municipal District of Fairview #136 has recently been presented with information regarding the importance and the lack of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in Alberta schools.  The sudden cardiac arrest death of a local high school student while participating in a school sports function has prompted the establishment of The Project Brock Society.  One purpose of the Society is to advocate for the placement of AED units in all schools in Alberta as well as all public facilities. A study of Sudden Cardiac Arrest events in the USA showed a 64% survival rate in schools with AEDs and training compared with the usual 5% survival rate. There are no statistics available for Canada.  No legislation currently exists to address the placement of AED units in buildings nor to educate and train the general public in their use.  To implement legislation within the Alberta Safety Code buildings codes and in the Alberta education system, similar to the requirements for fire extinguishers, would certainly benefit all Albertans, including our students. 

RMA Background:

The AAMDC has no active resolutions directly related to this issue.

Provincial Ministries:
Education
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