{"id":59405,"date":"2025-10-17T12:53:16","date_gmt":"2025-10-17T15:53:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thelaker.ca\/?p=59405"},"modified":"2025-10-17T12:53:16","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T15:53:16","slug":"milford-rec-adds-life-saving-aed-with-community-training-session","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/?p=59405","title":{"rendered":"Milford Rec adds life-saving AED with community training session"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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MILFORD<\/strong>: A new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is now available 24\/7 at the Milford Recreation Hall, a move local organizers say could one day save a li,fe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The community gathered recently for a hands-on information session on how to recognize cardiac arrest and use the AED, led by Mike Janczyszyn, AED Registry Program Coordinator and a paramedic with EHS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTonight\u2019s all about helping people recognize when someone is going into sudden cardiac arrest and empowering them to do something rather than nothing,\u201d said Janczyszyn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cIt\u2019s about resuscitation and building confidence in the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The initiative was made possible through a partnership between SaveLivesNS, EHS, and the Milford Recreation Association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While an AED had been located inside the hall for several years thanks to a donation from the Jordan Boyd Foundation, the group recently took steps to make it even more accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur hall is really busy with lots of different groups \u2014 from youth programs to weddings to pickleball,\u201d said Peter Giffen, with the Milford Recreation Association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe decided to move the AED outside in a heated cabinet so it\u2019s available year-round, anytime someone might need it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That decision came after Josh Wagner of Milford Fire suggested relocating the AED to an outdoor, weather-protected cabinet so it could be accessed at any time \u2014 even when the hall is closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJosh brought the idea forward a few years ago,\u201d Giffen said. \u201cHe recognized that having it outside made sense, especially with all the activity around the hall and ball fields. Now anyone nearby can grab it in an emergency without delay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Representatives from Lantz, Milford, and Elmsdale fire along with some residents were in attendance for the presentation at the hall.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Firefighters from Lantz and Milford practice their CPR on a mock dummy during the community training session. (Healey photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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The weatherproof cabinet keeps the device heated and protected through the winter months, ensuring it\u2019s ready whenever needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cResearch shows the importance of AED’s being accessible all the time,\u201d Janczyszyn said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn some places, devices are locked after hours, which limits their use. We\u2019re trying to change that by encouraging communities to make them available 24\/7.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Janczyszyn also encouraged other community groups to reach out if they\u2019re interested in getting an AED or an outdoor cabinet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applications and information are available through SaveLivesNS.ca, where requests are reviewed based on community need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of World Restart a Heart Day on October 16, Janczyszyn hoped the Milford event inspires more Nova Scotians to learn CPR and become familiar with AEDs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen the time comes, people can panic,\u201d Giffen added. \u201cThat\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to keep these skills fresh \u2014 especially in a rural community like ours.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sidebar: How to Find Your Nearest AED<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n