Latest news with #AEDs
Business Journals
a day ago
- Health
- Business Journals
American Heart Association turns bystanders into lifesavers by building a nation ready to act
In the split second it takes for a heart to stop, everything changes. For the 350,000 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of hospitals each year, survival often hinges on one factor: whether someone nearby knows how to respond. Yet 7 in 10 people in America say they feel powerless to act in a cardiac emergency. As a result, fewer than half of cardiac arrest victims receive CPR from bystanders before professional help arrives. That is a gap the American Heart Association is determined to close. As the world's leading voluntary health organization dedicated to longer, healthier lives, the Association is taking bold steps through its Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, a nationwide movement to turn bystanders into lifesavers. At the heart of this mission is a commitment to ensure that everyone is equipped with the skills to perform CPR and use an AED (automated external defibrillator). These are not just tools — they are the difference between life and death. Take Matt Clark's story as a powerful example. In 2020, while piloting a transatlantic Delta Air Lines flight, Clark suffered a sudden cardiac arrest midair. His co-pilot, Te Lee, immediately began administering chest compressions and directed another crew member to retrieve the onboard AED. Thanks to their quick response and the availability of an AED, Clark's life was saved and the crew was able to safely land the plane so he could receive further medical care. He later received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to protect him in the future. It was the combination of emergency preparedness, advanced technology and the ongoing research and advocacy supported by the American Heart Association that made this lifesaving outcome possible. expand That same commitment to readiness is now taking root across Atlanta, where community organizations are helping to build a stronger chain of survival. With the support of several local companies and partners, thousands of individuals have gained access to lifesaving CPR education. Youth-focused groups such as the Georgia Youth Football League Conference and Soccer in the Streets, along with faith-based organizations like First Baptist East Point and Dream Church, have been empowered with the tools and training to respond in cardiac emergencies. Other nonprofits such as At-Promise Atlanta and Special Kneads and Treats, LLC have also joined the movement. Each received CPR training kits, funding for certification and access to AEDs — ensuring that more people across the community are prepared to save lives when every second counts. Creating a Nation of Lifesavers goes beyond education and awareness — it also requires meaningful policy change at both the federal and state levels. To support this effort, the American Heart Association has endorsed the federal Access to AEDs Act, which would establish a grant program to help K–12 schools provide CPR and AED training, purchase lifesaving devices and implement Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) designed to reduce fatalities from sudden cardiac arrest in school settings. In Georgia, that commitment is becoming a reality. Beginning July 1, 2025, all schools across the state will be required to have a CERP in place. These plans mandate CPR certification for designated staff members and the implementation of practice drills to ensure readiness in the event of a cardiac emergency. Additionally, state funding has been allocated to help schools acquire the resources needed to meet CPR education requirements — an essential component of Georgia's high school graduation standards. expand Everyone has the power to make a difference in a cardiac emergency. Whether you're at school, on a sports field, at church or even in the air, knowing how to respond can save a life. That's what the American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative is all about — giving people the skills and confidence to step in when it matters most. Learning CPR and how to use an AED doesn't take long, but it can mean everything to someone in need. You don't have to be a medical professional to help. You just have to be ready. Together, we can close the gap, strengthen our communities and create a future where no one dies from cardiac arrest simply because help didn't come in time. The next life saved could be someone you love — or it could be yours. The time to become a lifesaver is now. To learn more about the Nation of Lifesavers and how you can support, visit
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Aberdeen medic with family history of cardiac issues aims to equip city with defibrillators
Lee Findlay's Aberdeen Defibrillator Project aims to provide defibrillators to public spaces around the city. An Aberdeen medic with a family history of cardiac issues has made it his mission to equip the city with defibrillators. Lee Findlay has 24 years of experience working in healthcare and currently works as a senior auxiliary nurse in acute medicine at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. The 40-year-old launched the Aberdeen Defibrillator Project in October 2024 - a cause that looks to provide automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to public spaces around the city. He explained to Aberdeen Live that his passion for the project stems from his experience providing chest compressions during his job. He said: "I hurt my back doing CPR duing an incident I responded to and had to stop for a time. When there were AEDs available, I was still in a position to contribute to emergency incidents. "Defibrillators are the very top of any emergency equipment you can have. With the current strain on services, I want to put more AEDs out there so they're readily available to the public." As a result of Lee's tireless fundraising, he has been able to provide the defibrillators to areas where they are most needed, including outside bars and pubs. However, he is now looking to fund child-suitable AEDs to go outside areas where they would be most useful, including parks, the beach and the nearby Codona's amusement park. He said: "I distributed the money I raised for the bars, clubs, and other areas they'd be needed. "Codona's has chipped in for the heated box outside. With the amount of children on the beach, and the coming summer months, and the amount of people at parks, an AED with paediatric settings would be most beneficial. "Other defibrillators have been placed in areas that ambulances struggle to get to quickly because of roadworks or heavy traffic, like on Market Street." Explaining the physical challenges of doing manual labour, Lee said: " Recently, I was called to a cardiac arrest and I had to go into compressions, which are extremely taxing to do. After that, so much needed to be done. "And since starting in November, I have heard story after story after story of people who had lost loved ones, but if there had been AED, they would have survived." But the fundraiser is also personal for Lee, whose father suffered a cardiac arrest in 2015 and whose granny also received coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Recently, he was also diagnosed with a cardiac condition. He said: "Father had massive heart attack and I was recently diagnosed with a condition because of my family's cardiac history. It's something that is close to my heart." To donate to the Aberdeen Defibrillator Project, visit the GoFundMe page here - Current defibrillator locations include; The Snuggery, The Old King's Way, Paramount, Molly Malones, Siberia Bar, Old School House, Foundry, O'Donoghues, The Grey's Inn and Codona's. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Express
Embassy chips in for flying doctor service
Published on: Saturday, May 31, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 31, 2025 By: Nikko Fabian Text Size: Johan, Maria and Bryant with the medical equipment. Kota Kinabalu: The US embassy in Kuala Lumpur presented a substatial donation of medical equipment to Sabah Health Departments' Flying Doctor Service (FFS) Thursday. The simple ceremony was held at the Layang-Layang Aerospace hangar located in Tanjung Aru. The generous donation, included portable ultrasound machines, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), oxygen concentrators, and various medical kits. The items were handed over to Sabah Health Director Dr Maria Suleiman who thanked the crucial role FDS plays in providing healthcare to remote and underserved communities across Sabah, often facing significant logistical challenges. She highlighted that the donated equipment will significantly enhance the FDS's capacity to diagnose, treat, and save lives, particularly in areas with limited access to medical facilities. 'This contribution is not merely a collection of machines and tools; it is a lifeline, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the enduring spirit of partnership and compassion between our nations,' the lady director said. Advertisement She further emphasized the donation's impact on the FDS's ability to provide timely and effective care, strengthening their mobile clinics and empowering medical personnel. The donation ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including representatives from the US Army Civil Military Support Element, the US Embassy's Office of Defence Cooperation, and officials from the Sabah State Health Department and Layang-Layang Aerospace personnels. Also present to witness the ceremony was Layang-Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd Managing Director Hj Johan Poong Abdullah. During the morning function, US Army (Military Support Equipment) Captain Bruant Y. Kim highlighted the donation as a symbol of the enduring partnership between the United States and Malaysia, underscoring a commitment to improving healthcare access for all. Bryant together with his group also expressed the Embassy's interest in future collaborations to monitor the impact of the donated equipment. 'First and foremost, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Layang Layang Aerospace team for allowing us to conduct this ceremony here today. Your support and hospitality have helped make this meaningful event possible… We are here to mark a donation that we hope will have a lasting impact,' Bryant said. He said through the provision of helicopter-related medical equipment, our goal is to strengthen the capabilities of the Sabah State Health Department's Flying Doctor Service in delivering healthcare to those who need it most— especially in remote and underserved areas of the vast and beautiful state of Sabah. The Flying Doctors Service plays an extraordinary role in connecting communities with lifesaving care, often in places where there are no roads and no other means of access. The challenges are many, but so too is the determination and dedication of the Flying Doctors Service team. This effort reflects the enduring partnership between the United States and Malaysia. We believe that when we work together government to government, and people to people—we can achieve great things. He said it ( donation) means helping to bring healthcare to those who might otherwise go without. May this contribution serve as a symbol of our friendship and as a tool to help you reach those in need, he concluded. On his part, Johan said the donated equipment is expected to immediately improve the FDS's operational capabilities, enabling them to provide more efficient and effective medical services to Sabah's most vulnerable populations. He said the event served as a powerful demonstration of international cooperation and a shared commitment to improving healthcare access in Sabah. Johan agreed with the State Health Director that the donation will enhance ability to diagnose, treat, and save lives more effectively. From the most basic diagnostic tools to more advanced life-saving apparatus, each item will be put to immediate and impactful use, strengthening our mobile clinics and enabling our doctors and nurses to perform their critical work with greater efficiency and confidence, Johan qouted Maria as saying. He said the act of generosity underscores the strong bond between the United States and Malaysia, and specifically, the commitment of the US Embassy to supporting the well-being of the people of Sabah. 'It reflects their broader goal of deepening cooperation and mutual respect…This donation is a powerful reminder that when nations come together, driven by shared values of humanity and mutual respect, remarkable things can be achieved,' Johan emphasized. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
US embassy donates medical equipment to Flying Doctor Service
Johan, Maria and Bryant with the medical equipment. KOTA KINABALU (May 29): The United States Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has donated essential medical equipment to the Sabah Health Department's Flying Doctor Service (FDS), marking a significant boost to healthcare delivery in remote regions of the state. The handover ceremony took place today at the Layang-Layang Aerospace hangar in Tanjung Aru. The donated items include portable ultrasound machines, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), oxygen concentrators, and various medical kits. Sabah Health Director Dr Maria Suleiman received the equipment and delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing profound gratitude. She emphasized the vital role of the FDS in reaching remote and underserved communities across Sabah, often facing formidable logistical challenges. 'This contribution is not merely a collection of machines and tools; it is a lifeline, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the enduring spirit of partnership and compassion between our nations,' she said. Dr Maria added that the equipment will greatly enhance the FDS's ability to diagnose, treat and save lives, especially in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. The event was attended by representatives from the US Army Civil Military Support Element, the US Embassy's Office of Defence Cooperation, Sabah State Health Department, and Layang-Layang Aerospace personnel. Captain Bryant Y. Kim of the US Army described the donation as a symbol of the strong and lasting partnership between the United States and Malaysia. He expressed appreciation for the support from Layang-Layang Aerospace and emphasized the Embassy's interest in future collaborations to assess the donation's impact. 'Our goal is to strengthen the Sabah Health Department's capabilities in delivering healthcare to those who need it most — especially in remote and underserved areas of the vast and beautiful state of Sabah,' Kim said. He praised the dedication of the FDS team in overcoming geographical and logistical barriers, reinforcing the shared commitment of both nations to improving healthcare access. Layang-Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd managing director Hj Johan Poong Abdullah said the equipment is expected to immediately improve the FDS's operational capacity, enabling more efficient and effective medical services. 'This event is a powerful demonstration of international cooperation and a shared commitment to the well-being of Sabah's people. It reminds us that when nations unite in the spirit of humanity and mutual respect, extraordinary achievements are possible,' he said.
Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Straits Times
CCK, Bukit Gombak residents try firefighting, first aid to enhance resilience during emergencies
Residents trying to put out a fire at Chua Chu Kang GRC and Bukit Gombak SMC's Community Resilience Day event on May 25. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG SINGAPORE – As residents living near community sports facility The Arena @ Keat Hong were heading to breakfast or their Sunday grocery shopping on May 25, a 'scuffle' broke out between two men. The altercation left one person with an injured arm, while the other started to go into cardiac arrest. But before the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the police could arrive on the scene, two civilian responders from the People's Association Community Emergency Response Team (PA CERT ) swooped in to help after spotting the commotion. One of the PA CERT responders provided first aid to the man with the injured arm, while the other performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the other party. Another two civilian responders, who were alerted to the incident via SCDF's myResponder app, located the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED) and applied it to the man. The incident was part of a simulation at Chua Chu Kang GRC and Bukit Gombak SMC's Community Resilience Day event on May 25 that showed how civilians can work together with uniformed personnel in responding to emergencies. PA CERT members are trained in performing CPR and using AEDs. Formed in 2004, PA CERT is a group of volunteers under the PA Community Emergency and Engagement Committees that seeks to raise crisis preparedness in the community, respond to emergencies and help the community in the recovery process. Looking out for one another and being vigilant is a responsibility that must be shared by everyone in the community, said Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng at the event. Manpower Minister Tan See Leng performing CPR on a mannequin at the Community Resilience Day event. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Dr Tan was joined by other Chua Chu Kang GRC MPs, which includes Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Social and Family Development Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim – both newly minted political office-holders – and Dr Choo Pei Ling. 'Anytime someone collapses, whether it's because of a cardiac arrest, because of a stroke, the brain needs oxygen, and you only have about four minutes to respond before the brain suffers damage because of the lack of oxygen,' said Dr Tan. Making reference to the simulation, he added: 'As you can see from our first responders, how they very quickly assess the person who is lying down, and they started CPR almost immediately, that is crucial, because then it ensures that the blood continues to be pumped to the brain.' (From right) Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow, Chua Chu Kang GRC MP Choo Pei Ling and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Social and Family Development Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim at the Community Resilience Day event. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG At the event, some 1,500 residents not only tried performing basic first aid and CPR, but also experienced putting out a fire at a booth at The Arena by the SCDF that drew a long queue of enthusiastic children. Another favourite was a booth by the Republic of Singapore Air Force that featured interactive simulators. Mr Leow Foo Kay, 51, said he took his seven-year-old son, who dreams of being a pilot, to the event to show him different ways of contributing to the community. 'I hope that events like these will inspire him to pick up lifesaving skills to help others in the future,' said Mr Leow, who works in finance. Children dressed up as police officers and firefighters at the Community Resilience Day event. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Wong Yang is a journalist at The Straits Times, covering housing, property, land use and community stories. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
