Residents of L’Isle-Verte purchased a cardiac defibrillator, a joint purchase made possible thanks to neighborhood solidarity. Citizens believe that this device is essential for responding to emergencies in their rural sector.
A sign announcing the presence of an automated external defibrillator (AED) now stands on Chemin de la Montagne in L’Isle-Verte, contrasting with otherwise rural landscapes.
Inaugurated this week, the medical device is now more accessible than the one located in the village, a 16-minute round trip for residents of Chemin de la Montagne.
We thought that was too far away in an emergency context. Our goal was to have a DEA on Chemin de la Montagne for residents of Chemin de la Montagne and surrounding areas
argues the instigator of the project, Francis Riou.
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Francis Riou and his neighbor Cathy Pelletier had the idea of installing a cardiac defibrillator in their community.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Édouard Beaudoin
Without too much difficulty, Francis Riou and his neighbor mobilized around fifteen citizens to participate in the project.
Each of them provided 100 dollars, then the Municipality and other partners completed the financing for the purchase of this device which cost more than 2000 dollars.
The municipal councilor for L’Isle-Verte, Jean-Jacques Côté, believes that this initiative could save lives.
We are far from all services. The closest ambulances are Rivière-du-Loup or Trois-Pistoles. It takes at least 20 minutes for them to come and join us
highlights the one who is also a resident of Chemin de la Montagne.
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During a cardiorespiratory arrest, every minute counts. Once someone experiences it, one minute without treatment reduces the chances of survival by 7% to 10%, according to studies.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Édouard Beaudoin
Isle-Vertois ready for action
Around twenty residents also underwent training to be able to use the DEA. Some of them, like François Gagnon, even volunteer to help their neighbors in an emergency.
We make ourselves available to pick up the DEAgo to the person [qui nous appelle] and help him with his cardiac resuscitation maneuvers. At the same time, we want to take some stress away from this person while waiting for help.
details the resident of L’Isle-Verte.
The community hopes that its initiative will be a source of inspiration for other municipalities that have similar realities.
With information from Édouard Beaudoin.
