Latest news with #AutomatedExternalDefibrillators
Scoop
17-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Southern Discoveries Puts New Emergency Survival Equipment To The Test
Press Release – Southern Discoveries The longest-running Milford Sound cruise operator has fitted out its entire fleet of vehicles, including five coaches seating up to 250 people, with survival gear specifically designed for major earthquake events. Southern Discoveries has become the first tourism company in Milford Sound to be AF8-ready with specialist emergency survival equipment. The longest-running Milford Sound cruise operator has fitted out its entire fleet of vehicles, including five coaches seating up to 250 people, with survival gear specifically designed for major earthquake events. And the initiative has already got the attention of tourism trade partners. Yesterday, Southern Discoveries' coach team and senior managers attended a simulated training exercise near Queenstown to familiarise themselves with the life-saving gear they may need in an emergency situation. The drill at Wilson's Bay saw staff simulate realistic earthquake scenarios, practising shelter setup and testing rescue tools with the new equipment. The specialist survival equipment has been supplied by Christchurch-based company The Survival Co., whose owner Peter Gillman was on-site during yesterday's training exercises. Gillman says Southern Discoveries' investment in such an extensive range of survival and medical gear puts them ahead of others in the industry. 'Southern Discoveries is the first tourism operator to take this level of equipment from The Survival Co.,' he says. 'They've taken the approach that if you're going to do it, you should do it properly, and that's exactly what's been achieved.' The Survival Co. created a tailor-made package for the company, considering the additional challenges of remote locations like Milford Sound. 'We looked at the scenarios people might find themselves in and what particular hazards exist in these areas. This gear provides an opportunity to keep people safe and comfortable during an emergency situation until help arrives.' Each of Southern Discoveries' five coaches is now equipped with long-life food supplies, bottled water, purification tablets, emergency shelter, headlamps, waterproof ponchos, survival blankets, personal hygiene items, and stretchers. The gear also includes four-person survival self-rescue backpacks, enabling passengers and drivers to evacuate safely if required, plus satellite communication devices with SOS and two-way texting capabilities to maintain contact in remote areas. Survival packs will be placed in nine company vehicles and all coaches will carry Heartshine Samaritan AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) for immediate medical response capabilities. Grab-and-go packs have been placed in staff housing in Milford Sound. Southern Discoveries CEO Kerry Walker says the delivery of the gear aligns with the company's goal of continuously improving and ensuring safety for guests and staff at all times. 'We operate in a region with significant seismic risks, so it's our responsibility to be prepared for any eventuality. This equipment provides genuine peace of mind for our staff, guests, and the local community,' Walker explains. The proactive safety initiative has already received strong support from Southern Discoveries' international trade partners, particularly agents from the United States and Japan, who value the company's commitment to safety standards. 'We know our travel agent partners place high value on safety for their clients, so we're delighted to be able to provide this level of comfort,' Walker adds. While Gillman notes his company is seeing increased interest from city councils and Civil Defence organisations, and is encouraged to see more tourism operators starting to invest in high-level survival equipment. Walker adds: 'We're proud to position ourselves as industry leaders in emergency preparedness, but we also want to encourage others to work with The Survival Co., who are experts in this area. One of Southern Discoveries' major trade partners has already contacted The Survival Co. to discuss obtaining safety gear for their organisation.'
Scoop
16-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Southern Discoveries Puts New Emergency Survival Equipment To The Test
Southern Discoveries has become the first tourism company in Milford Sound to be AF8-ready with specialist emergency survival equipment. The longest-running Milford Sound cruise operator has fitted out its entire fleet of vehicles, including five coaches seating up to 250 people, with survival gear specifically designed for major earthquake events. And the initiative has already got the attention of tourism trade partners. Yesterday, Southern Discoveries' coach team and senior managers attended a simulated training exercise near Queenstown to familiarise themselves with the life-saving gear they may need in an emergency situation. The drill at Wilson's Bay saw staff simulate realistic earthquake scenarios, practising shelter setup and testing rescue tools with the new equipment. The specialist survival equipment has been supplied by Christchurch-based company The Survival Co., whose owner Peter Gillman was on-site during yesterday's training exercises. Gillman says Southern Discoveries' investment in such an extensive range of survival and medical gear puts them ahead of others in the industry. "Southern Discoveries is the first tourism operator to take this level of equipment from The Survival Co.," he says. "They've taken the approach that if you're going to do it, you should do it properly, and that's exactly what's been achieved." The Survival Co. created a tailor-made package for the company, considering the additional challenges of remote locations like Milford Sound. "We looked at the scenarios people might find themselves in and what particular hazards exist in these areas. This gear provides an opportunity to keep people safe and comfortable during an emergency situation until help arrives." Each of Southern Discoveries' five coaches is now equipped with long-life food supplies, bottled water, purification tablets, emergency shelter, headlamps, waterproof ponchos, survival blankets, personal hygiene items, and stretchers. The gear also includes four-person survival self-rescue backpacks, enabling passengers and drivers to evacuate safely if required, plus satellite communication devices with SOS and two-way texting capabilities to maintain contact in remote areas. Survival packs will be placed in nine company vehicles and all coaches will carry Heartshine Samaritan AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) for immediate medical response capabilities. Grab-and-go packs have been placed in staff housing in Milford Sound. Southern Discoveries CEO Kerry Walker says the delivery of the gear aligns with the company's goal of continuously improving and ensuring safety for guests and staff at all times. "We operate in a region with significant seismic risks, so it's our responsibility to be prepared for any eventuality. This equipment provides genuine peace of mind for our staff, guests, and the local community," Walker explains. The proactive safety initiative has already received strong support from Southern Discoveries' international trade partners, particularly agents from the United States and Japan, who value the company's commitment to safety standards. "We know our travel agent partners place high value on safety for their clients, so we're delighted to be able to provide this level of comfort," Walker adds. While Gillman notes his company is seeing increased interest from city councils and Civil Defence organisations, and is encouraged to see more tourism operators starting to invest in high-level survival equipment. Walker adds: "We're proud to position ourselves as industry leaders in emergency preparedness, but we also want to encourage others to work with The Survival Co., who are experts in this area. One of Southern Discoveries' major trade partners has already contacted The Survival Co. to discuss obtaining safety gear for their organisation."
Daily News Egypt
22-06-2025
- Health
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt launches national initiative to combat sudden cardiac death
Egypt has launched a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about sudden cardiac death and improve the country's emergency healthcare response through widespread training in the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The campaign, unveiled on Sunday, reflects a coordinated effort by the Ministries of Health and Youth and Sports to prevent cardiac-related fatalities and build community-based resilience. The announcement was made during an official ceremony held at the Olympic Center in Maadi, Cairo, attended by Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Youth and Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhy, senior healthcare officials, and leading cardiologists. 'This initiative represents a critical step forward in preventing sudden cardiac arrests within the community,' said Abdel Ghaffar, noting that an estimated 55,000 people in Egypt die each year from sudden cardiac arrest, with around 20% of these cases caused by ventricular fibrillation. He emphasized that timely intervention with an AED can raise survival rates to over 90%. The initiative includes training personnel across government institutions and youth centers, equipping them with the skills needed to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies. Abdel Ghaffar also announced the development of a mobile application to provide users with step-by-step guidance on using AEDs, performing CPR, and responding to emergencies. Youth and Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhy underscored the importance of integrating AEDs and trained responders into sports venues across the country. 'We must ensure that all sports clubs and federations implement regular emergency response training programmes, especially during athletic competitions,' he said. As part of the broader strategy, the initiative also includes mandatory routine and specialized medical screenings for athletes to detect potential heart conditions before they escalate. Mohamed Sobhy, president of the Scientific Foundation for Cardiology and Arteries, praised the initiative for reflecting 'a comprehensive scientific approach to reducing mortality from cardiac arrest.' He noted that the programme is in line with international best practices and includes a strong emphasis on training and deploying AEDs in public areas. Hazem Khamis, head of the medical committee at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, highlighted the critical importance of AED accessibility, stating that 'having defibrillators available in public spaces during the first few minutes of cardiac arrest can be the difference between life and death.' The initiative has received strong support from both public and private sectors, including the Egyptian Red Crescent, the Scientific Foundation for Cardiology, sports clubs such as Wadi Degla, and multiple athletic federations. Together, these partners aim to foster a culture of preparedness and ultimately reduce preventable deaths from sudden cardiac events.
Borneo Post
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Sibu to stage Borneo Pickleball Forum in August
Stakeholders for the upcoming forum pose with (seated from left) Tan, Ting, Dr Wong and Tian yesterday. SIBU (June 8): The first ever Borneo Pickleball Workshop and Forum will be held over two days from Aug 27 at Kingwood Hotel here with an expected attendance of 200 to 300 participants. This was announced by Iplay Swan Squad Pickleball Club (IPSS) president Dr Wong Chya Wei who highlighted it as a landmark event for the development of pickleball. 'This forum marks a significant step forward in growing the sport across the region by bringing together thought leaders, experts and passionate advocates of pickleball. 'We are targeting not only participants from Sarawak but also those from Sabah and Semananjung,' he told a press conference here yesterday. Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng will officiate at the event on Aug 27. Wong also thanked BE Sarawak (Business Events Sarawak) for its support in making the event a reality. The two-day forum will feature a panel dialogue and sharing session with speakers from Sarawak Sports Council, Malaysia Pickleball Association, Courtsite (court operation and management provider) and other experienced court operators. 'We will have a seminar on sports Injuries and rehabilitation, providing practical insights into injury prevention and recovery, vital knowledge for players and coaches alike. 'There will also be a workshop on CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillators), open to the general public from all walks of life… and we highly encourage group bookings for communities, associations and institutions,' said Wong. There will also be a referee workshop to address the need for more trained referees and linesmen with the growing number of pickleball tournaments and new clubs forming in schools. Furthermore, an exhibition space will feature solutions for court construction, systems for reserving courts, pickleball paddles available for purchase and demonstration, and merchandise like sportswear, bags and shoes. A demonstration court will be set up inside the ballroom, offering paddle testing and a special exhibition game by junior players. 'As a special token, the first 100 paying participants will enjoy a complimentary Sunset River Cruise on Aug 27,' added Wong. Also in attendance at yesterday's press conference were BE Sarawak business development senior manager, Donny Tan, IPSS secretary Cr Jenny Ting and Selkirk Malaysia sales manager Benjamin Tian who is also IPSS vice president and coach.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nonprofit organization donates 3 AED's to American Village
MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WIAT) — The Lord Wedgewood Charity donated three Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to Montevallo's American Village. Based in Birmingham, the Lord Wedgewood Charity is dedicated to supplying high schools and community gathering places with AEDs. 'The donation was made possible through the collaborative efforts of several local leaders with deep ties to American Village and each other,' American Village said in a statement. Rusty Lowe, an alum of Leadership Shelby County who works with GoRescue, will assist with installation and training for the AED units. 23-year-old former Walker County deputy pleads guilty in case involving death of Anthony 'Tony' Mitchell 'This is an important step for American Village to provide safety for their visitors and staff,' Lowe said in a statement. 'We are excited to be part of this process. AEDs and CPR are of utmost importance for the survival of victims experiencing sudden cardiac arrest and time is of the essence.' According to a statement from American Village, this donation will enhance emergency preparedness and ensure a safe environment. 'This is a great example of what happens when a community works together,' Alan Miller, CEO of American Village stated. 'Thanks to the kindness and initiative of these individuals and organizations, we are better prepared to respond to medical emergencies—especially during large public events like Independence Day, when we welcome thousands of visitors to campus.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
