In partnership with the Medtronic Foundation, the GTAA launched its new Heart Cart program at Toronto Pearson International Airport on April 9, 2008. The program is the largest public access defibrillation program of its kind in Canada and is designed to provide public awareness regarding the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in the airport community.

The Medtronic Foundation has partnered with more than 150 communities and organizations around the world to promote the benefits of early defibrillation and public access to defibrillators. Toronto Pearson joins other airports-including Minneapolis-St. Paul, Dallas-Fort Worth and London Heathrow-who also participate in the Medtronic Heart Cart program.

Every year in Canada, approximately 40,000 people die from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)-that's more than 110 people per day across the country. It can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime. SCA occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating and blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. This can be a frightening experience for the victim as well as for those who are around as it happens. The best chance of survival comes from early defibrillation. Every passing minute after SCA occurs decreases the chances of successful heart defibrillation by seven to ten per cent.

It is because of these startling statistics that more than 190 defibrillators can be found at various locations throughout Toronto Pearson. These machines save lives. The GTAA is making every effort to instruct as many people as possible how to use a defibrillator, in the event that the need to use a defibrillator should arise.

"More than 31 million passengers travel through Toronto Pearson each year, and we are pleased to be able to offer this educational opportunity that might allow them to one day save a life," said Lloyd McCoomb, President and CEO of the GTAA. "These machines provide a valuable service to someone suffering from cardiac arrest, giving them a much greater chance of survival. The more people that know how to use them properly, the better."

Anyone can save a life. Defibrillators are safe, easy to use, and can be handled effectively by trained medical and non-medical personnel. The Heart Cart program is designed to educate everyone on the simplicity of its use, generating a level of comfort for the user when and if they are ever placed in a situation where a defibrillator may save someone's life.

The cart, which will be moved around to different locations, will be staffed by GTAA Emergency Services personnel. Training is available to the travelling public and airport employees on both the use of defibrillators and the basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). All Heart Cart instructors are certified through the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Anyone travelling through Toronto Pearson is encouraged to stop and give few minutes of their time. If you ever have to put a defibrillator into practice, you'll be glad you did.