Canada Day is a time to come together and celebrate everything that makes our country great. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to the lake, or gathering for fireworks, one thing should always be part of your long weekend plans: safety.

While we all hope emergencies never happen, being prepared can make all the difference, especially when it comes to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). An automated external defibrillator (AED) can be the life-saving device you never knew you needed… until you do.

Here’s how to keep your Canada Day celebrations safe and heart smart.

Understand the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

SCA can happen anytime, anywhere, and often without warning, even in people who appear perfectly healthy. Unlike a heart attack, SCA is an electrical malfunction that causes the heart to suddenly stop beating. Without immediate treatment, survival rates drop by 10% with each passing minute.

That’s where an AED comes in! An AED delivers a safe shock to help restart the heart and significantly increase the chance of survival.

Keep an AED Accessible for Everyone

Whether you're hosting a Canada Day BBQ, attending a community celebration, or organizing a public event, ask this one life-saving question: Is there an AED on-site?

Canada Day events often bring together families, children, and older adults for lots of outdoor activity. Combined with summer heat and crowded environments, this can increase the risk of SCA. Having an AED nearby could be the difference between life and loss.

When placing your AED, make sure:

• It’s clearly visible, and easy to grab, not hidden or locked away
• You use signage or flags to highlight its location
• You inform attendees and the staff where it is
• It’s placed near high-traffic, central areas like entrances, food stations, or activity zones

AED Maintenance = Peace of Mind

Already have an AED? That’s a great first step—but don’t forget: an AED is only life-saving if it’s ready to use.

Before the Canada Day long weekend, take a few minutes to give your device a quick maintenance check:

Battery Check – Make sure the battery hasn’t expired or drained.

Pad Inspection—Confirm the electrode pads are sealed, clean, and within their expiry date. If children under 8 are present, pediatric pads are available.

Readiness Light – Look for a flashing green “ready” light—your AED’s way of saying, “I’ve got this.”

Need help staying on top of maintenance?

AED Solutions offers monthly AED Maintenance assistance—we’ll send you reminders, do the heavy lifting, and ensure your device is always rescue-ready because peace of mind should be part of every celebration.

No AED at your event? No problem.

Make sure safety is part of your celebration—protecting lives is the most Canadian thing you can do.

AED Solutions provides affordable AED rentals from top brands—perfect for temporary use at Canada Day events, camps, and community functions.

Let’s make your event memorable and heart-safe.