RICHMOND, BC – Richmond-based London Drugs will be the first Canadian retailer to have Automated External Defibrillators in all of its 68 stores. London Drugs employees throughout Western Canada have attended AED training with MediQuest Technologies Inc. to save lives when a medical emergency happens. AEDs have been installed in London Drugs pharmacies across Western Canada where a minimum of ten employees per store have been trained in their use. Approximately 1,000 London Drugs employees have taken part in the training course totaling 4,000 hours of staff hours. The AED Save-a-Life program provides attendees with effective response tactics in life threatening medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest.

“London Drugs is proud to be Canada’s first retailer to have an AED located in each store,” said Wynne Powell, London Drugs president. “At London Drugs we are always looking for new services that will benefit our customers. The AED Save-a-Life program is one of those services. Every London Drugs location will ensure an employee trained in AED use is present when there are customers and staff in the store.”

The AED Save-a-Life program is an important advancement in public safety. Statistics from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada show that early witness of a cardiac arrest and the use of an AED following is key in the chain of survival. The chance of survival decreases by ten per cent every minute defibrillation is delayed. To increase survival rates, Sandoz Canada Inc. has equipped every London Drugs with the Defibtech Lifeline AED.

About London Drugs
Founded in 1945, B.C.-based London Drugs currently has 68 stores in more than 35 major markets throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Renowned for its creative approach to retailing, the company employs more than 7,500 people and carries a diverse range of health and consumer electronic products. With its strong commitment to innovation and customer appreciation, London Drugs has established itself as a reputable and caring company and continues to position itself for future growth and development.

For more information or to arrange an interview/demonstration, please contact:

Wendy Hartley 
604-817-2758
WendyHartley@telus.net

Cynnamon Schreinert
604-802-2733
cynnamon@shaw.ca