AUTOMATED External Defibrillators (AEDs) need to be publicly displayed so that in times of emergency, the devices are accessible.
To date, there are some 50 AEDs placed in public spaces, thanks to the ‘Heart-Safe Penang’ programme by the state government few years back.
According to State Health, Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin, the state government is going through the bylaws from a few countries with regard to displaying AEDs publicly and to make it a law here.
“Some institutions do not display their AEDs publicly although they have the devices.
“I’m urging the shopping malls, entertainment outlets, and hotels to keep their AEDs in a place where they are accessible during emergency.
“We have received good response from civil societies, religious bodies and non-governmental organisations,” Dr Afif said during the AED handover ceremony and Mass CPR and AED Training at the Wisma Hui Yin Seh today.
Dr Afif also mentioned that the state government desires to go one step further by looking into imposing laws on new development projects, especially high rise properties, to have AEDs publicly displayed.
“We want responsible corporate owners and business people to contribute back to the society by taking part in this programme to create a safer environment for our people.
“Apart from that, it is crucial to learn simple life saving skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
“We have trained more than 25,000 Penangites to perform CPR as well as to use AED and we will continue to do so,” he said.
ZOLL Group donated a unit of AED to Hui Yin Seh Association in Paya Terubong.
Previously, Masjid Jamek Sungai Gelugor and the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit also received AEDs from ZOLL Medical Group.
Christopher Barnabas, the vice-president (Asia Pacific Operations) of Zoll Medical Singapore Pte Ltd suggested that tourist spots in Penang need to be equipped with AEDs too.
Responding to that, Penang Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said he would work with Dr Afif on the matter.
“Generally, when a patient has arrhythmia and if the first aid is received within a minute, the survival rate can reach up to 90%.
“However, the patient’s survival rate will be reduced by 10% for every minute of delay.
“AEDs can be useful in times of emergency, especially to assist those suffering from sudden cardiac arrest,” said Yeoh, who is also the Paya Terubong assemblyman.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting