Public Access Defibrillation

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Public Access Defibrillation

Public access defibrillation (PAD) can help you save a life! The PAD program can assist anyone in becoming an automated external defibrillator (AED) site. The Saskatchewan Health Authority offers the PAD program free of charge and will assist with the following:

• Help facilitate the link between sudden cardiac arrest victims and AEDs in the community.
• Provide signs to make AEDs easy to find.
• Offer AED demonstrations.
• Provide AED and Hands Only CPR education.
• Connect potential AED buyers with local suppliers.

Registering your AED helps the Medical Communication Center quickly guide someone to it during a cardiac emergency, improving the person's chance of survival. To register your AED, please fill out and submit an AED Registration Form below. For assistance completing your AED Registration Form, please contact the PAD Coordinator.

Keep Your AED Ready to Save a Life

• Check your AED monthly: Each site is responsible for making sure the AED is in good working order and ready for use. These checks are quick and typically take less than one minute. Record each review on a log sheet. The AED Monthly Check Guide and AED Monthly Log Forms can be found in the Related Documents section on this website to assist with monthly checks.
• Check the status indicator (readiness symbol): Confirm the AED is ready for use by checking that the indicator light is flashing or displays "OK" on most models.
• Verify battery and pad expiry dates: Record the battery expiry date when installed. Avoid removing the battery or turning on the AED unless necessary to help the battery last as long as possible.
• Ensure your AED is visible and accessible: Place it where it can be easily found and used quickly.

If your AED was used on a person during a sudden cardiac arrest, please contact the PAD program immediately to ensure it is restored to readiness and to retrieve event data.

Did You Know?

• Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating, cutting off blood and oxygen to the brain and body.
• CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) keeps blood and oxygen flowing until emergency help or a defibrillator arrives.
• An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) checks the heart's rhythm and, if needed, gives a lifesaving shock to restart the heart.
• Providing immediate, high-quality CPR and using an AED as soon as possible give the person in cardiac arrest the best chance of survival.
• Every minute without CPR or an AED reduces the chance of survival by 7-10%.