Comox Firefighters Association Expands AED Program in the Comox Valley

The Comox Firefighters Association has donated another Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to help enhance public safety in the Comox Valley. The latest recipient is Vida Movement Community in Comox.

Pictured are Monica Rosenke and Sydney Fletcher, who accepted the AED on behalf of the organization. Presenting the device were Comox Firefighters Association Chairperson Tammy Blair and Work Experience Program member Conor Hills.

“It’s encouraging to see more public access AEDs becoming available throughout our community,” said Comox Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “I’m extremely proud of our firefighters and their ongoing commitment to this life-saving initiative. To date, we’ve helped place over 65 AEDs in public spaces—representing more than $90,000 in funding, all from non-tax sources, over the past decade.”

Public access AEDs are easy to use, require minimal maintenance, and most importantly, save lives. Each unit costs approximately $2,000. In addition to donating AEDs, the Comox Firefighters Association also provides CPR and AED training to community members.

Each year, the association receives numerous requests and carefully evaluates where new AEDs can have the greatest impact. Their goal is to add several new units throughout the region annually.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) can strike without warning—at work, during community events, or in public places. While survival rates are typically below 10%, studies show that when CPR and an AED are used within five minutes, survival can increase to 30–50%. That’s why communities across the country are expanding Public Access Defibrillation programs to pair widespread AED placement with public education.

Comox Fire Rescue understands the importance of AEDs firsthand—every emergency vehicle carries one, and an additional unit is installed at the fire station.

For more information or to inquire about AED support, please contact Comox Fire Rescue at firehall@comox.ca or call 250-339-2432.