Health Minister Terry Lake highlighted the importance of CPR Awareness Month today by taking part in a demonstration on basic CPR and how to use a defibrillator.

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating and breathing stops. It strikes suddenly and affects people of all ages. Fewer than 12 per cent of people who have a cardiac arrest survive. Without immediate help, someone in sudden cardiac arrest will suffer brain damage within three minutes, and after 12 minutes, it is unlikely they will survive.

"I want to stress the importance of knowing CPR and the role it can play in saving lives," said Lake. "Over 2,000 British Columbians die from sudden cardiac arrest every year, a leading cause of death among adults in the province. Taking the time to learn CPR is a valuable skill that can save someone's life."

The Heart and Stroke Foundation and the provincial government have each provided $1 million to develop the Public Access to Defibrillation program, which places automated external defibrillators in public places where there is the greatest chance they will save a life. The portable, easy-to-use devices read the heart's rhythm and deliver a shock only if needed by pressing a button.

"Sudden cardiac arrest can strike any of us at any time, whether we are at home or out and about in the community," said Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Andrew Wilkinson, M.D. "Fortunately CPR combined with the use of a defibrillator can significantly increase chances of survival and that is why it is great news for British Columbians that the Public Access to Defibrillation program is providing access to these lifesaving tools in a variety of venues."

Through the program, 450 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are being donated to recreation and community centres, arenas, pools, libraries, senior's facilities, parks and beaches throughout B.C. by 2015. To date, 117 defibrillators have been placed in B.C. communities.

"Our paramedics witness the tragic effects of cardiac arrest first-hand," said Les Fisher, chief operating officer, BC Ambulance Service. "By providing bystanders with the tools they need to provide life-saving assistance, we want to empower people to do the best thing for their friend, neighbour or even a stranger, and that is to do CPR and use an AED early and correctly during a medical emergency."

BC Ambulance Services is a program partner and provides on-site orientation, ongoing program oversight and also has linked the AED Registry with the ambulance dispatch system. This registry will enable a bystander who calls 9-1-1 to be directed by a BC Ambulance Service dispatcher to the nearest AED. BC Ambulance Service dispatchers can also assist bystanders to apply an AED during a medical emergency.

"We are placing automated external defibrillators where there is the greatest chance they will save a life," said Diego Marchese, CEO, BC & Yukon, Heart and Stroke Foundation. "Through our partnership with BC Ambulance Service and the Province, we are working together to improve the health and wellbeing of British Columbians."

Studies show the survival rates of a cardiac arrest can increase by up to 75 per cent if CPR and a defibrillator are used within five minutes.

For more information about the Public Access Defibrillation program, visit: www.bcpadprogram.ca

Media Contacts:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)

Lisa Pilling
Communications Officer
BC Ambulance Service
778 679-5641