Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

These days, you don't have to be a doctor to save a life. New Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) make it possible for even non-medical personnel to restore heart rhythm and life.

An AED is a machine that can monitor heart rhythms. It can tell if the heart has stopped beating effectively. If required, the machine can then deliver an electric shock to the heart. Most of the time, this shock will restart the heart.

AEDs save lives

As many as 45,000 cardiac arrest occur each year. That is about one every 12 minutes. Defibrillation improves survival rates by up to 30% if delivered in the first few minutes. With each passing minute, the probability of survival declines by 7 to 10%. Making defibrillators easily accessible has the potential to save thousands of lives.  

Get trained

Only people who have been trained to use an AED and who are authorized to use the machine can do so. In the hands of someone who is trained, it is very effective in saving the lives of those experiencing cardiac arrest. The Heart and Stroke Foundation is working diligently to ensure widespread access to AEDs in homes and workplaces, and in public areas such as airports, airplanes, and casinos. The Foundation is also urging anyone in close contact with those at high-risk of cardiac arrest – family members, police, firefighters, flight attendants and security guards – to become trained in the use of AEDs.  

For more information on starting an AED program, download our document Automated External Defibrillation: Whose life will you need to save?

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Companies

The following companies have Health Canada approval for the sale of AED products in Canada. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (HSFC) does not recommend or endorse specific products of any single manufacturer or distributor. HSFC encourages you to contact each company to describe your needs, obtain product information and find out how the company can help you establish your AED program. Licensing information about specific AEDs may be checked through Health Canada's Medical Devices License Listing at www.mdall.ca  

HSFC Position Statement on Public Access to AEDs

Last reviewed May 2009
Last modified October 2011