Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) help save lives and, now, thanks to a unit installed outside the Downtown Improvement Area (DIA) office in North Bay, visitors to the downtown core have a better chance at surviving a cardiac event.
More than 140 defibrillators have been installed to date in strategic locations in the City of North Bay and throughout the District of Nipissing. The Lifeline Public Access Defibrillator Program, in partnership with the District of Nipissing Social Services Board (DNSSAB), selected the Downtown Improvement Area office as the site for the next defibrillator. This gives the public access to the unit from Oak St. and Main St.
“The downtown merchants are pleased to offer this location to assist those in need,” says Executive Director of the DIA, Jeff Serran. “You hope that no one ever needs one, but this equipment has a history of saving lives throughout the District. More importantly, this location is connected to a monitoring system, which makes the EMS response that much faster.”
“Having AEDs in key locations is critical to improving outcomes for patients,” says the DNSSAB’s Chair, Mark King. “The DSSAB is pleased that Lifeline Public Access Defibrillator Program was able to relocate this unit to the Downtown Improvement Area in North Bay.”
This is the third AED in the downtown area: one is located at the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce office at the Corner of Main and Wyld Street, one in North Bay City Hall main lobby at 200 McIntyre Street, and now one at North Bay Downtown Improvement Area office at 133 Main St. Locations are determined based on need. Eight saves in the Nipissing District have been attributed to the availability of AEDs.
