Thames River Paddling Club installs Wildwood Conservation Area’s second AED

In partnership with Andrew’s Legacy, the Thames River Paddling Club (TRPC) brought in a new automated external defibrillator to the Wildwood Conservation Area using funds raised from the annual Wildwood Dragon Boat Challenge.

By Emily Stewart

The Thames River Paddling Club (TRPC), in partnership with Andrew’s Legacy, brought another automated external defibrillator (AED) to the Wildwood Conservation Area.

The TRPC used the funds raised from the annual Wildwood Dragon Boat Challenge to install an AED in the canoe/kayak/washroom area nearby the marina. The club also used funds raised to bring an AED to Stratford.

“It feels great to help improve safety access for people using the lake and marina area at Wildwood Conservation Area,” said Ben Gerber, TRPC president and coach. “Having an AED installed closer to the water can make a real difference in an emergency situation where every minute counts.”

Andrew’s Legacy is a charity committed to installing AEDs in schools and sporting areas in the community in memory of Andrew Stoddart, a star athlete who died at just 15 years old from sudden cardiac arrest.

An AED is a portable device checking heart rhythm and can send an electric shock through the body to restore its natural heart rhythm, for example when the body goes into sudden cardiac arrest. If sudden cardiac arrest is not treated within minutes, it usually causes death. An AED can increase the chance of survival if used within five minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest.

“For on-water users especially, emergency response times can sometimes be delayed simply due to location and access around the lake. Having an AED available nearby gives people a much better chance of receiving immediate assistance while emergency services are on the way. It is an important safety resource for paddlers and everyone enjoying the conservation area,” Gerber said.

The Wildwood Conservation Area also has an AED installed at the front gate.

While the location of the next AED installed at Wildwood is yet to be determined, the cost of another AED is estimated at around $2,000, which also covers the cost of an outdoor case. Possible locations will be reviewed after the next Wildwood Dragon Boat event on May 23.

“We are very thankful to everyone who has supported the event and this initiative so far. The dragon boat community, volunteers, sponsors and partners have all helped make this possible,” Gerber said. “At the end of the day, this is about improving safety for everyone who uses the water at Wildwood and helping ensure lifesaving equipment is accessible when it is needed most.”

For more information on Andrew’s Legacy, visit andrewslegacyforever.ca.