Nova Scotia is highlighting the importance of AEDs and CPR during Heart Month, focusing on making defibrillators easier to find and use in emergencies.
Paramedic Mike Yanshishin, who coordinates the province’s AED Registry, says many public places have defibrillators, but not all are registered—making them harder to locate when needed.
“When an AED is registered, 911 operators can direct people to it in an emergency,” Yanshishin said. “If an unregistered AED is nearby, it won’t appear in the system, which means a lifesaving tool could go unused.”
The province currently has about 1,800 registered AEDs, but Yanshishin estimates there could be 3,000 to 4,000 in total. He encourages businesses, organizations, and sports groups to register their devices and create emergency plans.
“We’re really emphasizing awareness, promotion, and education this year,” he said. “We want people to know where AEDs are and how to use them.”
Training isn’t required to use an AED or perform hands-only CPR, but organizations across Nova Scotia offer courses for those who want to learn more.
“CPR should start immediately if someone is unresponsive and not breathing, and someone should grab an AED while 911 is being called,” Yanshishin explained. “AEDs are crucial because they significantly increase survival chances when used alongside CPR.”
The province also runs a volunteer responder program through the GoodSAM Responder app, which alerts trained volunteers if a cardiac arrest happens nearby.
“The registry is a community-driven program—no one ‘owns’ it. Its success depends on participation,” Yanshishin said. “If you have an AED at your workplace, gym, or community center, take note of its location. And if it’s not registered, consider adding it to the system. It could save a life.”
More information on CPR training, the AED Registry, and the GoodSAM program is available at savelivesns.ca.
