Rajendran (sixth from left) trying his hand at CPR, watched on by other guests, at the workshop focused on life-saving techniques. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
AUTOMATED external defibrillators (AEDs) installed in public areas have played a crucial role in saving at least nine lives in George Town and Balik Pulau districts since their introduction in 2015, said Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
“From 2015 to 2022, AEDs were deployed in 21 locations.
“This year, an additional 48 units have been strategically placed in various public spaces including bus terminals, hiking trails, community halls and markets.
“Penang Island City Council’s (MBPP) AED installation programme will continue and extend to new strata developments, commercial and residential areas, with RM54,000 already allocated for nine units in 2024.
“We also have AED units strategically placed in our enforcement patrol cars in cases of emergency,” he said in his opening speech at Malaysian Association of Hotels’ (MAH) CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED workshop.
Rajendran said the location of AEDs were integrated into “Pearl One Touch Penang” super-app, enabling the public to swiftly find the nearest device and respond more quickly in emergencies.
He also said MBPP would conduct training for every employee in 2024 to ensure widespread understanding of how the devices operated.
Expressing his gratitude to the organisers and in congratulating MAH (Penang Chapter), Rajendran commended their proactive approach in holding the workshop that could directly improve emergency response capabilities and increase the chances of saving lives during critical situations.
MAH (Penang Chapter) chairman Tony Goh said the association had been at the forefront of organising free training programmes for members’ employees.
Goh said the workshop focused on life-saving techniques through AED and CPR was immensely beneficial and fruitful for the over 60 participants.
“By recognising the critical nature of every second during a heart attack, participants have the potential to create meaningful impact by saving lives,” he said, adding that their MAH chapter had 104 members representing an inventory of 15,745 rooms.
Also present at the workshop, organised by Safetyware Sdn Bhd and Zoll Medical Malaysia Sdn Bhd, were Safetyware chief executive officer Wong Kee Wei, Penang Heart Safety Society chairman Datuk Dr Luah Lean Wah, Penang Health Department senior principal assistant director Dr Maheshvar Balan and George Town Community Emergency Response Team chairman Lim Thiam Chong. — By BERNARD SEE
