Media Advisory - 14-year old Penetanguishene boy saved by AED goes before
Queen's Park MPP's

TORONTO, March 9 /CNW/ -

    
    TO:      Photo Editors, News Assignment Editors

    WHAT:    14 year-old Brandon Koskitalo from Penetanguishene, will
             represent the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario in his plea
             to ensure Automated External Defibrillators (AED) and associated
             training are available in every school across the province.
             Brandon was recently saved by an AED located at his school.

    WHEN:    Brandon will be available for interviews, Tuesday, March 9th at
             3:30 p.m.

    EVENT:   Heart in the Park - the Heart and Stroke Foundation's advocacy
             day at Queen's Park.
             Queen's Park, main doors, inside at the front reception.
             1 Queen's Park Crescent.

    WHO:     Brandon Koskitalo, 14 year old, cardiac arrest survivor.
    

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, about 40,000 people in Canada experience sudden cardiac arrests each year, a majority of which occur either at home or in public places. In Ontario alone, approximately 7,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually. With each passing minute, the probability of survival declines by seven to 10 percent. Using an AED, combined with CPR, within the first few minutes can improve cardiac survival rates by more than 50 percent.

For further information: Elissa Freeman, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]