Automated External Defibrillators

Essex-Windsor EMS is using PulsePoint to map the publicly accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in our region. You can help us map AEDs on the PulsePoint website or you can use the PulsePoint AED app:

About AEDs

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are one of the most important tools in saving the life of someone suffering sudden cardiac arrest.

The more AEDs we have in our community and the more people who are able to use them, the greater the odds of survival when cardiac arrests strike.

On this page you can find the answers to these questions:

• What is an AED and how does it work?
• How effective are AEDs?
• How can you help map AEDs in Windsor-Essex?
• What’s the best way to purchase an AED?
• How do you become a Cardiac Champion?

Click a question to scroll directly to the answer.

For more information, email Essex-Windsor EMS at defib@countyofessex.ca.

What is an AED?

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable lifesaving device that quickly and safely determines whether a patient's heart would benefit from a “shock” of energy.

AEDs are simple to use. You can literally follow step-by-step voice prompts from the AED in the event of an emergency.

Here are the steps the AED voice commands will prompt you to take:

1. Turn on the AED.
2. Open the case and remove the pads.
3. Place one pad, as directed, on the chest.
4. Place a second pad, as directed, on the side of the chest.
5. Hands off! Remove your hands from the patient and pads, as directed, and let the machine analyze. It will direct you to push the button if a shock is required. Some defibrillators automatically deliver a shock, if it’s required.
6. Do chest compressions (cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR) as directed by the machine.

There are more than 1,000 publicly accessible defibrillators registered with Essex-Windsor EMS across the region. They are located in workplaces and public facilities like sports and recreation centres, educational institutions, and shopping malls.

How effective are AEDs?

Sudden cardiac arrest is unpredictable. It can happen anywhere, anytime, to anyone. In fact, one occurs every nine minutes in Canada. The key to positive outcomes in these situations is a rapid response.

If a sudden cardiac arrest victim receives defibrillation through an AED within the first minute, the survival rate is estimated at 90 per cent. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, the probability of survival decreases by seven to 10 per cent.

Help map AEDs in Windsor-Essex

Essex-Windsor EMS is building a registry of all publicly available AEDs so that ambulance communications officers can direct members of public at the scene of an emergency to the nearest one. Minutes matter when emergencies strike, so please assist us with this important initiative.

Essex-Windsor EMS is using PulsePoint AED to map the publicly accessible AEDs in our region. You can find and help us map publicly accessible AEDs on the PulsePoint website or you can use the PulsePoint AED app:

(NOTE: Make sure you download the PulsePoint AED registry app with the yellow icon.)

You can also upload the location of an AED directly on our website, using the window below:

Purchasing AEDs

These are training models of some of the most common AEDs in Windsor and Essex County. Businesses, organizations and individuals can help put AEDs where they are publicly accessible and make sure they are registered with Essex-Windsor EMS. You are encouraged to consult with Essex-Windsor EMS before purchasing an AED. We can assist with:

• Finding the appropriate AED for your needs.
• Providing a list of local vendors.
• Determining how many AEDs you require.
• Placing the AED(s) in the optimal location(s).
• Free AED and CPR awareness sessions. (Book a session using our form.)
• Free tracking of the expiry dates on AED devices, pads and batteries.
• Establishing emergency preparedness plans for workplaces and community groups.

You can reach us at defib@countyofessex.ca.

AEDs are easy to use and come with instructions but we are more than happy to provide a demonstration. Use our form to book an AED and CPR awareness session and we will contact you.

Become a Cardiac Champion

Businesses, organizations and groups of individuals across Essex County and Windsor are making a difference by fundraising, purchasing AEDs and learning how to use them. Essex-Windsor EMS recognizes them with Cardiac Champion Awards.

Thank you to our growing list of Cardiac Champions!

• Paul Giberson, president of Post Packaging, and his staff
• 3rd Essex Scouting
• Big Creek Arena
• Rob Shepley, owner of Ice Cool Treats
• Amherstburg Soccer League
• Dr. Archer Family Dentistry
• Erie Shores Golf Course
• First Lutheran Church, Kingsville
• Lana and Frank Cremasco
• Lighthouse Cove Lions Club
• Thames River Yacht Club
• Patene Building Supplies
• AMA Sportsmen's Association (Amherstburg)
• Gordon House, Town of Amherstburg
• Holy Name of Jesus Christ Church, Essex
• Sandwich West Dental (Dr .MacDonald)
• Township of Pelee Island
• Oxley Beach Golf Course
• Amherstburg Soccer League
• Leamington Roma Club
• Stoney Point Sportsman's Club
• All Nations Full Gospel Church
• Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary
• Kingsville Knights of Columbus
• Leamington Kinsmen
• Intrepid General Construction
• Sandbar Waterfront Grill
• Lakeshore St. Andrews Church, Tecumseh
• Maranatha Christian Academy, Grades 4/5
• Windsor Heart Institute
• Town of Essex Recreation Complex Squad Camp
• Windsor Serbian Centre
• County of Essex Administration Staff
• CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd.
• Leamington Community Hope Centre
• Olinda-Ruthven United Church
• Riverside Baptist Church, Windsor
• Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, Windsor
• Grachanica Non-Profit Housing Corporation
• Sun Parlour Curling Club
• Darlene Graham