12 Oct AEDs Installed on Grouse Grind Trail in North Vancouver
Three Automated External Defibrillators (AED) have been installed on the Grouse Grind trail as part of a pilot project to improve safety for those who suffer cardiac arrest along the challenging hike. The trail is a favourite with weekend warriors, hikers, outdoor enthusiasts and tourists. Grouse Grind, part of Grouse Mountain Regional Park, has been dubbed “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster” – climbing 800 meters in elevation over its 2.5km length, including over 2,800 steps. Each year, 100,000 hikers attempt the trail and there have been several heart attack fatalities over the years1.
In the past decade, several people have succumbed to heart attacks while hiking Grouse Grind. In 2013, a 50-year old man died, and in 2015, a 55-year old man died of heart attack. There was also a heart-related death in 2006 2.
The public access AED pilot project is a collaboration between Metro Vancouver, District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services and North Shore Rescue. The defibrillators have been installed at the quarter, half and three-quarter marks along the trail. The AEDS are in weatherproof cases attached to trees. Each AED station is indicated by an AED sign. The AEDs will be available for use in hiking season and removed during the winter trail closure and for maintenance. Each time an AED is used, it must be serviced and reinstalled1.
Can Anyone Use an AED?
AEDs are easy to use. When an AED is turned on, it provides the rescuer easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions, including analyzing the patient’s hearth rhythm and instructing the rescuer to deliver CPR and a shock when the AED’s analysis determines that they are required. A person should always call 911 as a first step in the rescue. AEDs are used on patients who are unresponsive, not breathing and have no pulse.
While there are differences between AED models, the basic steps are the same.
Watch an AED demonstration.
AEDs Save Lives
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation statistics3:
- Up to 40,000 cardiac arrests occur in Canada each year (one heart attack every 12 minutes)
- When an AED and CPR are immediately available, cardiac arrest survival is greatly improved
- When combined with CPR, AED use may increase heart attack survival by 75% or more.
About MediQuest
Founded in 1991, MediQuest is Canada’s leading distributor of Defibtech Lifeline AEDs. Drawing from over 70 years of professional First Responder experience, we equip communities and business across Canada with essential lifesaving training, premium AEDs and AED accessories.
Sources for this article:
- “Defibrillators installed on Grouse Grind trail in North Vancouver”, CBC News, Sept 14, 2024.
- “Grouse Grinders say you must be fit for ‘Nature’s Stairmaster’ after heart attack Sunday”, CityNews, Sept 3, 2018.
- “Public Access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) Facts”, Heart & Stroke Foundation, 2013.
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