Fact Sheet

Installing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in recreational arenas across Canada and training people to use them

The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians while encouraging active and healthy lifestyles.

Risk for cardiac arrest, which occurs when the heart fails to circulate blood, increases during intense physical activity (such as when playing hockey), especially in people with underlying cardiovascular disease risk factors such as high blood pressure.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (HSF), access to early CPR and defibrillation could potentially save the lives of thousands of Canadian adults and children each year.

In February 2013, the Prime Minister of Canada announced $10 million in funding towards a four-year program (2012-2016) led by the HSF to install Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and related training for staff in recreational arenas across the country.

The HSF has completed an assessment of the 3,500 arenas in Canada to determine AED needs and is now accepting applications and beginning installations. The initiative is being rolled out based on a priority system, first ensuring that all arenas have an AED and up-to-date staff training, followed by additional AEDs for larger arenas and replacements of older AEDs.

Training for facility personnel and key users will be provided by the HSF’s instructor network, training agencies and local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) across Canada. While AEDs are easy to use, training equips people with the knowledge and skills to confidently use these devices and to deliver quick CPR.

This initiative applies to all public, private, rural and remote recreational arenas, and complements provincial, territorial and municipal efforts to make AEDs more widely available in as many high-traffic public locations as possible across Canada.

Government of Canada action on cardiovascular disease (CVD)

Innovation and greater impact can be achieved through engaging all segments of society—communities, academia, the charitable and not-for-profit sector and the private sector—to address complex social issues such as the prevention of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is addressing this challenge through innovative, multi-sectoral partnerships, leveraging resources and emphasizing accountability for results.

Through the Multi-Sectoral Partnership Approach to Promote Healthy Living and Prevent Chronic Diseases, the Agency is supporting coordinated action on common risk factors for chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. In addition, the Agency provides cardiovascular disease surveillance information to healthcare professionals, and others, so that accurate information can be used in policy and program development across the country.

For more information about AED installation and training, visit Heart and Stroke Foundation's National Resuscitation Portal