Why are more and more families in Quebec choosing to have an AED at home?

In Canada, approximately 60,000 cardiac arrests occur each year outside of hospital settings. In these moments, there is no medical team or specialized equipment nearby. The first people on the scene are almost always loved ones, forced to act in an extremely stressful and urgent situation.

It’s easy to think that the only option is to wait for emergency services. Yet, the first few minutes are critical, and simple actions can truly change the outcome.

This is precisely why more and more families are choosing to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) at home. Because when cardiac arrest strikes, every minute counts.

 

Why is time such a critical factor during a cardiac arrest?

During a cardiac arrest, the chances of survival decrease by 7 to 10% with every minute without intervention. After just 3 to 5 minutes, the brain can begin to suffer from a lack of oxygen, potentially leading to irreversible damage.

Even when emergency services are called immediately, response times can exceed this critical window. In some regions of Quebec, nearly 45% of emergency calls take more than 10 minutes before an ambulance arrives (FPHQ – Quebec ambulance services).

These delays leave very little room for action. The first few minutes become a key moment when rapid intervention can make all the difference.

Is an AED really designed to be used by anyone?

Contrary to common belief, an AED is not reserved for medical settings or healthcare professionals. It is specifically designed to be used by the general public, even without prior training.

The device:

• Automatically analyzes the heart rhythm

• Provides clear, step-by-step voice instructions

• Delivers a shock only if it is necessary

There are no complex decisions to make — the device guides you throughout the entire response.
And it cannot make a mistake: a shock is delivered only if the situation requires it.

Why consider having an AED at home in Quebec?

A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time — a spouse, a parent, a grandparent, a visitor — with or without known risk factors.

Having an AED at home means choosing to be prepared if an emergency occurs. It gives you the ability to act when time matters most, while emergency services are on their way.

An AED is designed to guide the responder step by step, allowing for immediate assistance during those critical moments.
And sometimes, that preparation can make all the difference in the life of someone you love.

Are recertified AEDs a reliable and more affordable option in Quebec?

For some families, cost can be a barrier when considering the purchase of a home AED. That’s why more accessible options now exist, without compromising safety or effectiveness.

Encore Series AEDs are recertified defibrillators, rigorously inspected, tested, and verified by professionals. They meet the same performance and reliability standards as new devices.

In practical terms, this means:

• The device is fully tested and approved

• Essential components are inspected and replaced as needed

• The AED functions exactly like a new model

• It provides the same clear instructions and life-saving capability during a cardiac arrest

A recertified AED is not less effective. It is a reliable device, ready to save a life, offered at a more affordable price.

How can you be ready to act when every minute truly counts?

A cardiac arrest doesn’t wait.
Being able to intervene immediately can truly save the life of someone you love.

At Cardio Choc, our mission is to make defibrillators more accessible throughout Quebec and Canada, by offering solutions tailored to your reality — whether you choose a new or recertified AED.

Shop our selection of new and recertified AEDs and protect your home today.