When Steve Gillespie collapsed, he was saved by an AED. The Civic Center in Sydney has 2 automated external defibrillators for better response to medical emergencies.
Importance of AEDs in public areas
According to CBRM Mayor Cecil Clarke, training is provided to ensure that those who work in the building can properly use AEDs in case of emergencies. Due to the number of people coming and going which includes a lot of seniors, any issue might arise.
During a council meeting, Councilor Steve Gillespie collapsed and a call was made to bring an AED to the scene in case it is needed.
The family of Gillespie was quickly informed of the incident. He was alert, sitting up and talking to those who helped him.
Clarke stated that he has witnessed colleagues suddenly becoming ill previously. He was also taken to a healthcare facility once when he collapsed at Province House in Halifax when he was a provincial cabinet minister.
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LEARN MORE
Learn how to help by enrolling in a CPR and AED class and for more information, check out these sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiopulmonary_resuscitation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automated_external_defibrillator