Education minister launches program to give students the skills needed to perform CPR and use an AED in a cardiac arrest

REGINA, SK, April 1, 2026 /CNW/ - Heart & Stroke congratulates Saskatchewan Education Minister Everett Hindley for launching a new program that will empower students to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a cardiac arrest emergency.

Using Heart & Stroke's CardiacCrash program, the province will introduce basic CPR skills and AED awareness to students, equipping them with life-saving tools in less than one hour. Designed for easy and effective implementation in schools, CardiacCrash uses a team-based, gamified approach to learning that has been proven to be relatable and engaging for students. The program is offered free of charge to schools.

"Whether it's a friend who collapses on the basketball court after school or a grandparent at a family barbecue, CardiacCrash will give students the skills to go from bystander to lifesaver in a cardiac arrest emergency," says Doug Roth, Heart & Stroke CEO. "We're proud to partner with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education on this important project that will mean thousands more people in the province will have the know-how to save a life."

A cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating and can happen to anyone, at any age, at any time, in any place and often without any warning. An estimated 60,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital setting each year in Canada. Tragically, survival rates are extremely low, with only one in 10 people who experience a cardiac arrest out of hospital surviving. Immediate intervention by performing CPR and using an AED can double a person's chance of survival.

Heart & Stroke is pleased to work with the provincial government to identify and act on opportunities to increase access to CPR and AED education in Saskatchewan schools, says Carolyn Cyr, Saskatchewan director of health policy and systems at Heart & Stroke.

"This is a great first step for the province. We look forward to continuing to work together to make CPR and AED education more accessible and standardized across Saskatchewan schools, so every student is empowered to step up when every second counts," says Cyr.

Heart & Stroke is committed to improving cardiac arrest survival rates and outcomes across Canada and is working with partners to develop a national cardiac arrest strategy and action plan, including improving access to CPR education and AEDs.

To learn more about CardiacCrash, visit: www.cardiaccrash.ca

About Heart & Stroke

Life. We don't want you to miss it. That's why Heart & Stroke has been leading the fight to beat heart disease and stroke for more than 70 years. We must generate the next medical breakthroughs, so Canadians don't miss out on precious moments. Together, with the generous support of our donors, partners, and volunteers, we are working to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery through research, health promotion and public policy. Heartandstroke.ca @HeartandStroke

SOURCE Heart and Stroke Foundation