More outdoor defibrillator stations needed if lives are to be saved: experts

There’s a new addition to a building called the Q in North Vancouver’s Shipyards neighbourhood. It’s an outdoor box holding a defibrillator, the first of its kind on the North Shore.

When it’s fully operational, it will also include naloxone and a Level 1 first aid kit.

It’s being set up by St. John Ambulance and the business group North Vancouver Chamber in one of the busier public spaces on the North Shore.

“It’s part of bringing support where it’s needed, when it’s needed,” said Patrick Stafford-Smith, CEO of the chamber. “I think it’s really exciting, a sign of things to come, taking care of each other when we don’t have the experts nearby.

“It’s great that we have these things in hockey rinks, but cardiac arrests happen all over the place.”