Program FAQs

What can Nova Scotians do to help?

Register your AED(s). Get trained in CPR and AED administration. In emergencies, call 9-1-1, perform CPR, and use an AED. Media Inquiries: 1-888-255-6606 or email: [email protected]

What is EHS doing to promote the program, to increase registrants?

Some information is protected based on the agreement we have with local organizations/businesses that register with us. We are very happy to show off our interactive AED map that can be found under the “Map” tab on our website. Any registered AED owner or organization can have their AED shown on this map and we are encouraged by the number of AEDs already found on this map to date.

How can people be directed towards the nearest AED during a sudden cardiac arrest situation?

In the AED Link™ software, an inspector is someone who is in charge of maintaining the registered AED. This may be the owner of the AED or their designate. The inspector may receive monthly notifications (optional) to visually and physically inspect the AED(s). Inspectors will also receive automated e-mail reminders when the expiry dates of pads and batteries are approaching. Both of these notifications are meant to ensure that the AED is ready to use should it be needed during a sudden cardiac arrest incident. It is important to note that an inspector does not necessarily need to be trained in CPR and AED, although it is highly recommended. They do not need to be in charge of responding with an AED. A responder is someone who agrees to receive a text and/or voice notification should a sudden cardiac arrest occur within 1,200 feet of the AED location. The responder could be the owner(s) or designate(s) of that AED. It is recommended that responders have CPR and AED training. If contacted, responders need to ensure that their safety, and safety of others are looked after when responding to an emergency. All responders and inspectors are required to sign the ‘Terms and Conditions and Release of Liability” forms at the end of the Registration Form in order to be entered into the EHS AED Registry.

Is there a registration fee?

No. There is no cost to be registered with this program. You are responsible for purchasing your own AED. If an AED has been donated to your facility or organization, you are responsible for the costs of maintaining that AED (replacing the battery and pads when they expire or are used).

Do I need to be certified in CPR and AED in order to register?

You do not need to be CPR and AED certified to be a part of the registry, although it is highly recommended. If you assign yourself as an ‘inspector’, you will receive maintenance notifications to make sure the AED is ready to use should the unthinkable happen. This can be anyone within your organization or business and there is no requirement to know how to use or respond with the AED. If you assign yourself as a ‘responder’, it is highly recommended that you are certified in CPR and AED, although it is not a requirement. The goal with this program is to decrease the time between a sudden cardiac arrest happening and the first shock delivered by a defibrillator. If you receive a notification to respond with an AED, there will be other bystanders at the scene of the cardiac arrest and it is possible that they will be trained in CPR and AED.

Does my AED have to be accessible 24 hours a day?

No, it does not need to be accessible 24 hours a day. We understand that some AEDs cannot be accessible at all hours and this is why there is an ‘availability’ section on the registration form. Please identify the hours of operation of your building/AED including if your AED is available only seasonally (for example, an ice arena or school may only be available from September until June). If a sudden cardiac arrest should occur near your AED outside of the identified hours, it will not show up as an available AED in our Medical Communication Centre.