Making the case for automated external defibrillators

“Retired doc questions lack of defibrillator in seniors’ home,” was a headline that caught my attention.

The more I read, the more incensed I became, especially with the comment about the facility being a “social institution and not a medical institution”. Though neither a nursing home or a special care home, it does provide a measure of nursing care. By definition, nursing is “the profession or practice of providing care for the sick and infirm”

Are there nurses or nurses’ aides on the premises at Ste. Anne Court, the facility referenced in the story? If so, then the facility is, in reality, a social institution catering to medical/health and wellness needs of its guests.  It reasons, then, that as a retirement residence providing such care, it should have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on the premises. Amongst management, there should be no protracted discussion about it. Just do it.

In retirement settings such as that where retired doctor Sydney Grant lives, it would be reasonable to expect that a defibrillator, whether used one, twice, or never, be available. Most residents would still be looking after their own daily care needs, illustrative of the fact that they may, in theory, based on personal health profiles, have several ‘good’ years left. Should they suffer a ‘cardiac event’, a device to shock them back to rhythm would allow their life to continue. In the advanced geriatric or those with health issues requiring daily nursing care, I can understand the position with regard to administration not feeling they’re necessary or even appropriate given that advanced directives may be in place that preclude resuscitation. But that's not the whole story.

Dr. Sydney Grant, one  of 120 plus residents of Ste. Anne’s Court, is perfectly within his rights to expect that appropriate equipment will be made available for the care and comfort and dare I say survival of the residents, many of whom have probably been diagnosed with heart disease or defect. When minutes matter, access to appropriate equipment is critical and personnel trained to use it would be a matter of exercising a sound duty of care. To do otherwise is a dereliction of that duty. It’s not unrealistic to suggest that waiting for a timely response from outside the facility may be too late and the person in crisis could expire without defibrillation. Then there’s the matter of staff or visitor in cardiac crisis who would be at considerable risk without timely response/treatment that a defibrillator would provide. 

It defies logic that such a life saving piece of equipment is not standard where seniors reside, yet they’re becoming readily available at skating rinks, various sports facilities and schools. That tells me that those of a certain age are not being treated with the same level of care and concern as younger individuals. Oops! Is that  discrimination?

Most malls, fitness centers, and major transportation terminals like train stations and airports will have AEDS nearby as well. These are often located near water fountains or restroom areas. Knowing location is extremely important during a sudden cardiac arrest. 

From my perspective, in an effort to reduce wait time to defibrillation and to improve cardiac arrest survival, it makes perfect sense that more units be in place in settings that are densely populated. Perhaps, administration of facilities such as Ste. Anne’s Court don’t consider themselves ‘densely populated’; regardless, there is sufficient traffic on a daily basis for them to rethink their position. The life of ‘one of their own’ may depend on it.

The fact that Dr. Grant was prepared to support the cost of the device suggests that he feels that it IS necessary and that he, in being proactive on behalf of his ‘house mates’ was making the case for life saving devices to be available to all. Besides, it’s the right thing to do. To have dismissed his generosity out of hand makes one wonder why they’re so opposed to a device such as an automated external defibrillator. Training staff or even residents to use it wouldn’t be difficult and having several available should the need arise adds another layer of care and comfort to the retirement residence experience.

Given that I live with the heart condition of aortic insufficiency, I’m pleased to know that should I need immediate cardiac care intervention while out and about in the city, it is likely to be readily available in advance of an ambulance ride to the hospital. Why then, can it not be in the very place where it would be likely to do the most good? Administration at Ste. Anne’s Court and other such accommodations for seniors need to step up their game. 

Christmas is coming. Give the gift that could save a life.

Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with her geriatric Australian silky terrier and a rambunctious Maltese. She can be reached via email at carmacrockwell@xplornet.ca

Communicating compassion is easier than you think

Photo: Chris McCorkle

“Some people need to be told that they’re worthy, that they are loved,  not because nobody ever told them before, but because someone told them they weren’t.” [Eliot Knight]

With the holidays soon upon us, we must be mindful that not everyone will have the warm and fuzzies, convinced they’ve got nothing to celebrate. They’re stressed, physically, emotionally and often, financially, stuck in the rut of believing that the celebration of holidays requires a lot of money, a lot of presents, a lot of stuff. 

A group of friends in like circumstance getting together for a pot luck comprised of favourite recipes with a few special, festive treats added to the table can a memorable holiday party make. Cost sharing to create a delicious meal is a popular way for those who would otherwise be alone to ‘make the day’ for themselves. Small gatherings such as these are great ways to spread the word — that people are worthy and that they are loved, making meaningful conversation easier. What flows out of those meal time exchanges may be the foundation for other  interactions over a sustained period. Lots and lots of words. Words connect us in ways that we don’t often think about. As we become more comfortable with words coming and going, we become more open to include more people and more words into our sphere. Our worth bank grows.

There are many among us, both young and old, who, for whatever reasons have received messages that defeat them, deflate them, demoralize them. Heard often enough, one grows to believe them.

We need to always remember that words matter, especially when engaged with children, who often lack the filters adults rely on to sift out the noise. Children have no appreciation for the subtle nuances of language so we must be short, sweet and to the point when answering a question or when asking something of them.

This time of year, children understandably get an acute case of ‘I want’ without an awareness that what they want may be out of financial reach of their parents. It is often difficult to explain to a child who has no comprehension of the value of a dollar that the what they want Mom and Dad just can’t afford. We can’t risk saying that Santa can’t get it for them.

What we can do instead is encourage them to explore the value of giving to someone else. Children learning what they live, with a daily dose of positive regard from parents and others, are well equipped to go out into the world and instill that belief in other children who may not always hear those affirming messages that they are valued.

Educating children about services like the Out of the Cold Shelter, for example, is a perfect way to bring them to an awareness about the value of being thoughtful with their words. It’s never to early to have those conversations.

Lots of children who live on the fringes because their parents are no frills, surviving hand to mouth, are not immune to having a long wish list — they’re children after all. It’s important to ensure that we are uplifting with our words, not putting so much attention on what one doesn’t have. Children being drawn in to a case of ‘I want” can actually relate to the homeless person because they know what it is to want but not always get. Explaining to them in relaxed language about what being homeless means will allow them to understand that it is something that we all should care about. Whatever we can do to provide care and comfort means a lot, with a kind word going a long way. It’s important for us to realize that the words we use to describe the homeless or any other disenfranchized group, has a lasting impact. Children need to know that there are many reasons that one is homeless and the words we use to convey our feelings about it will very often determine outcomes, especially if we take the time to have conversations with those affected by lack of an address.

Teachers in our primary and elementary schools can open dialogue about words and feelings and give children an opportunity to share what’s on their mind. As children learn more about what goes on in the world around them, in their community, they are able to formulate ideas about what their future will look like. Raising and educating community minded young people sends a powerful message that doesn’t always require words.  Actions speak louder.

Children will learn that time and attention is a two-way exchange and that we show we are worthy through our words and deeds. So, grab the kids and grandkids and get out there and show your community what you’re made of.

Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with her geriatric Australian silky terrier and a rambunctious Maltese. She can be reached via email at carmacrockwell@xplornet.ca