PENANG has once again led the way by becoming the first state in the country to instal an informative automated external defibrillator (AED) kiosk at the popular seafront promenade in Karpal Singh Drive today.
Dubbed the first of its kind in the country, it is aimed at increasing the survival outcome in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was very impressed with the various groups’ teamwork in the setting up of the first AED kiosk, especially at one of the tourism spots in George Town.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to everyone, including the state Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE) office, Penang Heart Safe Society (PHSS) and private corporations for this milestone.
“It is important for us to increase the people’s awareness of the usage of AED. It can help to save precious lives when any sudden cardiac arrest happens.
“Apart from that, this is also in line with the state’s initiative for a ‘Cleaner, Greener, Safer, Healthier and Happier’ Penang.
“The collaboration between state, community and private corporations is laudable,” he said in his speech before launching the AED kiosk at Karpal Singh Drive.
In conjuction with the event, ZOLL Medical Corporation donated 45 AED units to PHSS.
The 45 units will be installed in high-traffic areas for public usage in an effort to increase its community’s odds of surviving sudden cardiac arrest.
The AEDs are used by first responders and the general public to treat victims.
Chow emphasised that it was important for everyone to take extra precautionary measure by understanding the AED’s usage.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the 42 AED units would be installed in some of the public places while another three units have been handed over to the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) George Town.
“With this initiative, it will position Penang as one of the states that practise ‘responsible tourism’.
“The state, PHSS and Zoll Medical Corporation are planning to instal four AED units in Botanic Gardens. It is set to be the first ‘Heart Safe Park’ in the country.
“This is the example of partnership between state, private corporations and community.
“Thanks again to PHSS and Zoll Medical Corporation,” Yeoh said.
State Agrotech and Food Security, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin also noted the significant achievement to instal first AED kiosk.
“We are delighted that Penang is the first state to instal the kiosk,” she said.
PHSS chairman Datuk Dr Luah Lean Wah explained the usage of AED kiosk during the launch.
“This AED kiosk is more informative and it will benefit many Penangites.
“I would like to thank the state for this initiative,” she said.
Also present were Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Zoll Medical Corporation vice president Christopher Barnabas, Northeast district police chief ACP Soffian Santong, Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (Operations) deputy chief ACP Tan Cheng San and state Health Department (Medical) deputy director Dr Nur Aslina.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi