Midhurst/November 24, 2025 – The County of Simcoe is proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Paramedic Services Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) Program, an initiative that has helped save lives and strengthen community readiness across the region.
Launched in 2005, the PAD Program has helped to coordinate the placement of more than 1,000 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in private and public spaces throughout Simcoe County, including schools, arenas, community centres, and municipal buildings. These devices are supported by ongoing compliance checks and training to ensure they are ready when every second counts.
Thanks to the quick actions of everyday heroes, and the availability of these AEDs, the program has directly contributed to 74 lives saved.
“Our PAD Program is a shining example of how proactive and innovative public health initiatives can make a lasting impact,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “We’re incredibly proud of our paramedics, instructors, volunteers, and all of those who have helped build a safer, more responsive community over the past two decades.”
Although AED installations and 9-1-1 registration play a critical role in the PAD Program, its foundation continues to be community training and education. To date, the County of Simcoe Paramedic Services PAD Program and its instructors have provided CPR, first aid, and medical emergency preparedness training to more than 18,650 residents.
“As we mark this incredible milestone, we also recognize the lasting impact of continued education and access,” said Sarah Mills, Director and Chief of Paramedic Services. “Every AED placed, and every person trained represents another step toward a more resilient and prepared Simcoe County, where communities are empowered to respond when it matters most.”
The County’s celebration coincides with CPR Month, a national campaign to raise awareness about the importance of CPR and AED training. Residents are encouraged to learn more about the PAD Program by visiting www.simcoe.ca/pad.
Photo Caption: County of Simcoe Councillors and Warden Basil Clarke, together with representatives from County of Simcoe Paramedic Services and the Township of Oro-Medonte, gathered at Simcoe Woods Community Centre to commemorate the installation of a new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) unit. The event marked a significant milestone in the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the County’s Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) Program.
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
