The ACT Foundation commends Quebec’s Education Minister Bernard Drainville for his recent announcement to equip all public schools with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). This initiative is a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of students across the province.
A Milestone in Student Safety
Expanding AEDs to All Public Schools
The announcement guarantees that every public school in Quebec will have an AED, ready for use in the event of a cardiac arrest emergency. This decision builds on the ACT Foundation’s longstanding efforts to promote CPR and AED training in high schools.
Enhancing Lifesaving Skills
Since its inception, the ACT Foundation has been dedicated to training students in CPR and AED use. Executive Director Sandra Clarke highlighted the importance of this new initiative, saying,
“We are thrilled with this Government of Quebec commitment to AEDs for all public schools.”
Background and Progress
ACT Foundation’s Journey
The ACT Foundation has been a pioneer in CPR training in Quebec high schools since a 1997 pilot project. In collaboration with the Government of Quebec, the foundation has established comprehensive CPR and AED programs in public high schools.
- CPR Training: Since 2017, CPR has been mandatory for Secondary 3 students, resulting in over 982,000 trained students.
- Teacher Training: More than 1,500 teachers have been trained as CPR instructors.
- Equipment Donations: Over 11,000 mannequins have been donated to schools.
Collaboration and Community Support
Government and Community Partnerships
The success of the ACT Foundation’s programs is attributed to strong partnerships with the Government of Quebec, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health and Social Services. These collaborations have enabled the widespread implementation of lifesaving training programs.
Fundraising Achievements
In 2019, the ACT Foundation successfully completed a fundraising campaign led by Dr. Paul Poirier to ensure AEDs were available in public high schools throughout Quebec.
Key Statistics on CPR and AED Training in Quebec
Statistic |
Value |
|---|---|
| Students trained in CPR | 982,000 |
| Students trained annually | 68,000 |
| Teachers trained as CPR instructors | 1,500 |
| Mannequins donated to schools | 11,000 |
| AEDs in public high schools | Completed by 2019 |
Future Initiatives
Opioid Overdose Response Training (OORT)
Adding to the students’ lifesaving toolkit, the ACT Foundation has enhanced its program with Opioid Overdose Response Training. This initiative is aimed at equipping students with the knowledge and skills to respond to suspected opioid overdoses.
In Conclusion
The expansion of AEDs to all public schools in Quebec marks a significant advancement in emergency preparedness and student safety. The ACT Foundation’s continued efforts, in collaboration with the Government of Quebec, ensure that students are equipped with essential lifesaving skills, creating a safer environment for all.
By advancing the availability of AEDs and comprehensive training programs, Quebec is setting a new standard for student safety and emergency readiness. This initiative reflects a commitment to protecting the well-being of students and ensuring that lifesaving tools and knowledge are readily accessible across all public schools.
Sources: THX News & ACT Foundation of Canada.
