Alberta Health Services is working towards a provincial registry of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
The registry will help 911 dispatchers guide callers to the one closest to them if they are dealing with someone having a heart attack.
"The registry will help ensure maintenance checks are being done so that the devices will work properly when needed. By tying the registry into EMS dispatch, we can tell 911 callers where to locate the nearest AED in case of cardiac emergency and advise them how to use it," says Dr. Ian Phelps, Senior Medical Director, AHS EMS.
About 600 AEDs are currently in the registry. Many of those can be found in recreation centres, community halls, and workplaces. The whole program is expected to be up and running by early 2013.
AHS says the program is one of the first of its kind in Canada.
To encourage more people to take part, 120 free AEDs are being given out based on the needs of communities. More information can be found at the Heart Safe website.
