Defibrillator Program launched at the Holiday Inn On King Toronto

The Holiday Inn On King proudly announces its new Automated External Defibrillators (AED) program, a health and safety initiative prompted by the hotel's safety and security department, after learning about the tremendous survival advantages a heart attack victim receives through the quick application of an AED.

More than 400,000 people in North America die from sudden cardiac arrest each year; 6,500 in Ontario. When a person goes into cardiac arrest, every moment they go untreated drastically lowers their chance of survival. With 8.1 minutes being the average response time for a Toronto Ambulance (from the time of cardiac arrest to administering a shock), it is crucial that more facilities have the equipment and that trained personnel are available to immediately assist in emergency situations. Sadly, less then 5% of people who suffer cardiac arrests outside of a hospital survive - this can be changed.

An AED is a portable defibrillator designed to be used by non-emergency first responders. AEDs are lightweight, easy to carry, and have built-in computers with visual displays and/or audible voice prompts providing step-by-step instructions to the user. The AED automatically assesses the patient's heart rhythm to determine whether defibrillation is necessary. The device will never shock a healthy heart. This technology opens up the opportunity for non-emergency providers to save lives. The medical benefits of this device were outlined in the New England Journal of Medicine - stating the quick application of an AED increases the survival rate of a cardiac arrest victim from 40% - 53%.

The Holiday Inn On King is taking pro-active measures with their new AED program to ensure the medical safety of their guests and employees. The hotel has enlisted the expertise of ForeHeart International to train and certify staff members and to provide the establishment with the necessary first-aid tools. ForeHeart International Inc. is a Canadian company specializing in the provision of AED equipment, comprehensive training and the development and delivery of the exclusive Tailored Emergency Response Management (TERM) Plan.

All of the Holiday Inn On King's security staff and lifeguards will be AED certified as well as selected department managers. The hotel will be holding refresher courses every 90 days for the certified staff and aim to train more staff members as the program develops. "This new technology is available to us and has the power to save lives- we want to take advantage of this development." says Marlin Keranen, General Manager of the Holiday Inn On King.

Reader Comments:

Be the first to leave a comment for this article