Thanks to a Sunshine Coast Foundation 2024 Responsive Community Grant of $4,550 we were able to purchase an additional SleepEh Lifeline View AED (automated external defibrillator).
The grant also covered the purchase of two WorkSafe BC Level 1 First Aid kits. We now have the new AED plus first-aid kit installed to the right of the corridor TV, with the second being on the auditorium side of the dividing door. This will allow access to the AED and first-aid kit when the dividing door to the Auditorium needs to be locked. In addition, the grant provided funds to pay the instruction fees for CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and first-aid training.
All the courses were taught by an experienced Primary Care Paramedic. On Saturday, September 14th, twenty-six SSAC volunteers and activity leaders completed the three and a half hour non-accredited CPR workshop. On Sunday, September 15th, five staff and volunteers completed the full one-day CPR certification and first-aid course.
The risk of cardiac arrest increases with age and can occur in asymptomatic individuals. Of our 1,600 active members at SSAC, the median ages of men and women are about 70 and 79 years respectively, placing the population at higher risk for cardiac events. Many of the Centre members are physically active and partake in exercise classes or play pickleball, a sport rising in popularity, but with well-known risks of fractures, sprains, and internal organ injuries, particularly for older participants.
With the acquisition of the AED and first-aid equipment and the training of our volunteers we will be best prepared should any critical cardiac events occur at the Centre. In addition, skills and expertise in the community will be strengthened by having volunteers trained at the Centre who will use their knowledge of CPR and first-aid to not only come to the aid of members of SSAC, but also to respond to situations which may occur in the Sunshine Coast community or elsewhere. We want to have the ability to cover situations from minor scrapes to saving a life.
