Defibrillators being placed at key locations
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IN A BID to save more lives in emergencies, the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM) and the Public Health Ministry have joined forces in a campaign to install automated external defibrillators (AED) nationwide.
This life-saving device will provide the essential first aid to people suffering cardiac arrest.
Deputy Public Health Minister Somsak Chunharat said at the campaign’s launch last week at Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Train Station that during the first phase the aim was to set up AED devices at 3,000 places as well as provide people with proper training in three years.
At the launch there was a demonstration on how to use the device and an on-stage discussion that aimed to provide the general public and the authorities with a good understanding of it.
NIEM chief Anucha Setthasathien said the device – one electrode is placed on the upper chest and another electrode goes on the lower chest – analysed the heart rate and sent an electric shock to it to hopefully restore a normal rhythm until advanced medical care arrives.
Anucha said the devices should be located in busy areas such as train stations, fitness centres and supermarkets and there should be a map at each location showing people where it was so it could be accessed quickly.
During the launch, the NIEM showed off 30 AED devices that will be installed at public places such as the Mor Chit Bus Terminal, the Ekkamai Bus Station, the Klong Toei Port, National Stadium, Lumpini Park, Government House and at Parliament.
The devices were sponsored by the Chin Sophonpanich Foundation, Philips Electronics (Thailand) Ltd and Saint Medical (Critical Care) Co Ltd.
Anucha urged staff at the AED locations to learn how to use the device and take good care of them.
