On February 16th, 2021, two Automatic External Defibrillators (AED's) were installed at Richmond Skytrain stations as a result of a partnership between the Richmond Rotary Club and St. John Ambulance. 
 
 
Last year, the Richmond Rotary Club hosted it`s 2020 4th Annual Lunar New Year Gala. This was a very well attended event with prominent guests, sponsors, and partners. Thanks to friends, family and Rotarians who attended and donated, we raised thousands of dollars that night.  $8,000 of the proceeds from the event went to purchase two AED's for St. John Ambulance.
 
 
We are very excited to announce that the AED's were recently installed in strategic locations around Richmond - Brighouse and Bridgeport Stations.  An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. These are lifesaving devices now located in high traffic areas in Richmond. They could make the difference in a life or death situation - and it`s all thanks to your contribution! 
 
  
If you look closely, you will see the Rotary Club of Richmond logo right on the device. 
 
Sudden cardiac arrest affects up to 40,000 Canadians each year. It can strike without warning, affecting people of all ages and fitness levels – and without rapid treatment, most cardiac arrests tend to result in death. After 12 minutes without treatment, the survival rate of SCA is less than 5%.
 
 
According to Saint John Ambulance, by having a device onsite, you save treatment time and improve the survival odds of a victim by administering the AED before emergency first responders arrive. 
 
Brighouse and Bridgeport Skytrain station are two of the busiest stop in Richmond. All around the world, AED`s are located in busy transit stations, and the Richmond Rotary club is honored to be apart of this exciting initiative in Richmond! 
 
The Lunar New Year Gala is one of the most important events of the year for the Richmond Rotary Club, and this exciting project shows the value of attending a Richmond Rotary event. This year`s Lunar New Year Gala was a virtual event, but we look forward to being back in person next year.