“London Drugs is proud to be Canada’s first retailer to provide our customers across Western Canada with the opportunity to purchase their own personal defibrillator,” said Wynne Powell, London Drugs president. “With a large percentage of the population aging, defibrillators can already be found at a variety of public venues as an advancement in public safety. We felt it was important to partner with MediQuest Technologies to offer our customers these products for use in households as peace of mind should an emergency occur.

”In May 2008, London Drugs was the first Canadian retailer to highlight the AED Save-a-Life program. London Drugs employees throughout Western Canada attended AED training with MediQuest Technologies Inc. to learn how to save lives when a medical emergency happens. AEDs have been installed in London Drugs stores 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 staff hours. 

The AED Save-a-Life program provides attendees with effective response tactics in life threatening medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest. 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.MediQuest Auto Defibrillators are available for order from all London Drugs locations. 

About London Drugs
Founded in 1945, B.C.-based London Drugs currently has 69 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

Posted Jan.19, 2009