The Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund presented its 258th defibrillator to the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Central and Arctic Inc. unit Port Bruce Rescue on June 27, 2026. The donation aims to improve cardiac emergency response capabilities for marine rescues on Lake Erie.
Presentation Details
Patrick Armstrong, representing the fund, handed over the automated external defibrillator (AED) during a ceremony in Port Bruce, Ontario. The event highlighted the fund's ongoing commitment to equipping first responders with life-saving devices. According to Armstrong, the fund has now placed 258 defibrillators across various organizations since its inception.
“We are proud to support the Coast Guard Auxiliary with this equipment,” said Armstrong. “Every second counts in a cardiac emergency, and having a defibrillator on hand can double or triple the chance of survival.”
Impact on Community Safety
The defibrillator will be deployed on Port Bruce Rescue vessels, which respond to emergencies on Lake Erie. The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary is a volunteer-based organization that assists in search and rescue operations. This donation ensures that responders have immediate access to cardiac care technology while on the water.
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, early defibrillation can increase survival rates from cardiac arrest by up to 75%. The Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund, established in memory of a local resident, has focused on placing AEDs in public spaces, schools, and emergency vehicles throughout the region.
Broader Context
This donation comes as part of a larger initiative to improve cardiac emergency preparedness in Ontario. The fund has previously supplied defibrillators to police services, fire departments, and community centers. The 258th unit marks a milestone in the fund's decade-long effort to enhance public safety.
