Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinEmail this link
We're seeking volunteer responders for a new pilot program for cardiac arrest in Frontenac.
The Neighbours Saving Neighbours (NSN) volunteer responder program for cardiac arrest aims to increase survival rates for those who suffer cardiac arrest in our communities.
About 35,000 people across the country experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest every year. Paramedics responded to 276 cases across Frontenac County and Kingston in 2020. The probability of survival for those patients decreases by as much as 10 percent per minute before emergency treatment begins. Fewer than 12 percent survive. But research shows that a patient who is treated by a properly trained and equipped bystander in those crucial minutes before paramedics arrive may be as much as three times as likely to survive cardiac arrest.
That’s where you come in. We’re seeking volunteer responders from across Frontenac to participate in a pilot program and research study about the best ways to increase survival rates for victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
As a volunteer, you’ll be assigned to a team of other volunteers based on geographic location. You’ll be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the safe and proper use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED).
Once trained, your group will be equipped with AEDs and you may be called upon by 911 communications professionals to attend possible cardiac arrest emergencies. Your role will be to assess the scene, administer CPR and use and AED if needed, and to assist paramedics when they arrive on scene.
This is all about learning new and better ways to save lives when seconds count.
This pilot program is conducted under the leadership of Dr. Steven Brooks and his research team at Queen’s University. Interested program volunteers will be asked to participate in the research component in which Dr. Brooks and his team will study the feasibility and effectiveness of programs like this one in rural communities like ours.
Please take some time to learn about the NsN program with the resources on this page. If you’re interested and think you could make a contribution to this important work, please complete the application form by clicking HERE.
™NEIGHBOURS SAVING NEIGHBOURS is a trademark of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada used under license.
We're seeking volunteer responders for a new pilot program for cardiac arrest in Frontenac.
The Neighbours Saving Neighbours (NSN) volunteer responder program for cardiac arrest aims to increase survival rates for those who suffer cardiac arrest in our communities.
About 35,000 people across the country experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest every year. Paramedics responded to 276 cases across Frontenac County and Kingston in 2020. The probability of survival for those patients decreases by as much as 10 percent per minute before emergency treatment begins. Fewer than 12 percent survive. But research shows that a patient who is treated by a properly trained and equipped bystander in those crucial minutes before paramedics arrive may be as much as three times as likely to survive cardiac arrest.
That’s where you come in. We’re seeking volunteer responders from across Frontenac to participate in a pilot program and research study about the best ways to increase survival rates for victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
As a volunteer, you’ll be assigned to a team of other volunteers based on geographic location. You’ll be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the safe and proper use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED).
Once trained, your group will be equipped with AEDs and you may be called upon by 911 communications professionals to attend possible cardiac arrest emergencies. Your role will be to assess the scene, administer CPR and use and AED if needed, and to assist paramedics when they arrive on scene.
This is all about learning new and better ways to save lives when seconds count.
This pilot program is conducted under the leadership of Dr. Steven Brooks and his research team at Queen’s University. Interested program volunteers will be asked to participate in the research component in which Dr. Brooks and his team will study the feasibility and effectiveness of programs like this one in rural communities like ours.
Please take some time to learn about the NsN program with the resources on this page. If you’re interested and think you could make a contribution to this important work, please complete the application form by clicking HERE.
™NEIGHBOURS SAVING NEIGHBOURS is a trademark of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada used under license.
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinEmail this link
The Neighbours Saving Neighbours (NSN) volunteer responder program for cardiac arrest went live in Frontenac on September 1. It's the program that puts automated external defibrillators into the trained hands of volunteer responders who may be able to begin life-saving treatment in the event of a cardiac arrest emergency in the precious moments before paramedics arrive. It couldn't have happened without cooperation and collaboration among a large group of partners, participants, organizations, and volunteers.
Dr. Steven Brooks is the NSN lead clinician/scientist in the School of Health Sciences at Queen's University.
Michelle Menard is the Quality Programs Officer and Peer Support Team Coordinator at the Kingston Central Ambulance Communications Centre.
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinEmail this link
Neighbours Saving Neighbours volunteer responders are trained in CPR and the safe use of an automated external defibrillator by Frontenac Paramedics. While there's no substitute for expert training and preparation, any CPR may be better than nothing during a real out-of-hospital cardiac arrest emergency. These two videos, produced by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and the Ambulance Victoria from Australia are great ways to brush-up on your lapsed CPR training or, if you've never been trained, to get some of the basics in case you should ever need them. The American Heart Association also offers a similar training page with video.
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinEmail this link
FRONTENAC COUNTY - The Neighbours Saving Neighbours (NSN) volunteer responder system for cardiac arrest goes live at 8 am on Friday, September 1.
NSN is the pilot program and research project that puts automated external defibrillators (AEDs) into the trained hands of volunteer citizen responders across rural areas of Frontenac County. When the system goes live for the first time on Friday, more than 60 trained volunteer responders across Frontenac become available to attend and begin CPR and AED treatment in the event of nearby possible cardiac arrest emergencies.
“I’m delighted to launch the NSN program,” says Dr. Steven Brooks, NSN lead, Clinician-Scientist, and Emergency Physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Queen’s. “Getting here would not be possible without the participation and support of our many partners, especially the first cohorts of NSN volunteer responders. I want to thank everyone for their participation and support so far. Your contributions help us to learn more about volunteer response and could even save lives.”
Here’s how NSN works: When Frontenac Paramedics are dispatched to a possible cardiac arrest emergency by Kingston Central Frontenac Communications Centre (CACC) Communications Officers, any nearby NSN volunteer responders are simultaneously notified through the GoodSAM smartphone app. If NSN responders happen to arrive on-scene before paramedics do, NSN responders can begin CPR and AED treatment in the crucial moments before paramedics can take over.
“It can take a few minutes for paramedics to arrive on-scene at an emergency, especially when we need to cover long distances to get there,” says Jason Kervin, Advanced Care Paramedic with Frontenac Paramedics. “That’s time cardiac arrest patients often just don’t have. Volunteer responders can make the difference between life and death for their friends, family, and neighbours who experience cardiac arrest.”
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinEmail this link
Reporter Kelli McRobert has gone through the process of becoming a Community Responder with the “Neighbours Saving Neighbours pilot program, and she has prepared a primer for he benefit of readers who are interested in joining the program
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinEmail this link
HealthyDebate.ca — By Dr. Steven Brooks — Surviving sudden cardiac arrest depends largely on luck – and it shouldn’t be this way. When cardiac arrest happens, every second counts. There are three things that need to be done as soon as possible to maximize chances of survival – calling 9-1-1, starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED). CPR keeps blood flowing to vital organs while AEDs provide a small electrical shock to get the heart pumping again.
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinEmail this link
The very first cohort of 16 Neighbours Saving Neighbours (NSN) volunteer responders for cardiac arrest met for in-person CPR and AED training at Frontenac Paramedics headquarters May 8. Volunteer application response has been very good so far but there's still room and time to apply. The more volunteers, the better. Just follow the link to learn more -> http://bit.ly/4083Cn1
The program is open to volunteers living, working, or spending time in Frontenac County, on Wolfe and Howe Islands or north of 401. Volunteer responders are trained by Frontenac Paramedics and equipped with AEDs. Volunteers are alerted by 911 Ambulance Communications Officers via mobile app when a cardiac arrest emergency may be happening nearby. Responders may begin CPR and AED treatment in the precious seconds and minutes before paramedics arrive. They could save the life of a neighbour, friend, or family member, and you could, too.
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinEmail this link
CKWS Global News Kingston - Frontenac County is looking for volunteers to receive training that could save their neighbours’ lives.The program is designed to crowdsource first-response aid help people having an emergency. For someone having a heart attack just a few minutes could mean the difference between life and death.
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinEmail this link
QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY GAZETTE - Each year, 35,000 Canadians experience cardiac arrests – their hearts stop beating unexpectedly. When this happens outside of the hospital, up to 90 per cent of patients die. However, chances of survival are much better with immediate treatment, like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or defibrillation.
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinEmail this link
CBC RADIO OTTAWA, ALL IN A DAY - Dr. Steven Brooks tells us about the Neighbours saving Neighbours program -- and why it wants to train volunteer residents of Frontenac country to respond to cardiac arrest calls before a paramedic arrives.
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinEmail this link
KINGSTONIST - A new innovative program aims to improve emergency response times for cardiac events throughout Frontenac County with the help of volunteer responders. Researchers from Queen’s University have partnered with Frontenac Paramedics to create the Neighbours saving Neighbours program for cardiac arrest.
Thank you messages to NSN partners, September 2023
Click here to play video
A thank you to NSN partners from Dr. Steven Brooks, September 2023
Click here to play video
Michelle Menard thank you message, September 2023
Michelle Menard represents the Kingston Central Ambulance Communications Centre.