The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is replacing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools throughout the province to help ensure students and staff can take action should they witness someone experience a cardiac arrest.
Budget 2026 includes approximately $250,000 to replace outdated AEDs and defibrillator pads in schools, which will equip these facilities with up-to-date devices.
The department estimates more than 100 AEDs are at or nearing their operational effectiveness date and are in need of replacement.
A cardiac arrest is a serious medical emergency where the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. AEDs are life-saving medical devices that are used to deliver an electric shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm. Alongside phoning 9-1-1 or emergency services and performing CPR, they can double a person’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest.
Investing in AED placement helps ensure school communities are prepared in the event that someone experiences a cardiac arrest.
This initiative delivers on a key commitment in Budget 2026: Opportunity for All of Us, which includes better health care, lower taxes and safer communities. More detailed information on Budget 2026 is available online.
Quotes
“Safer communities are a part of our Blue Book commitment. Updating automated external defibrillators helps ensure people are prepared to respond when someone experiences a cardiac arrest. We look forward to this work being completed and continuing to ensure our schools are safe and caring spaces.”
Honourable Paul Dinn
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
“Heart & Stroke is grateful for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s investment in increasing AED accessibility in schools across the province. A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time, and immediate action is critical. By making AEDs more accessible, this investment will improve bystander readiness in schools and communities across the province. It is a meaningful step that can help save lives.”
Katie Greene, Senior Vice President, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island at Heart & Stroke Foundation
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