PETALING JAYA: Several months ago, a man arrived at the Kuching International Airport from China.
Minutes later, the 55-year-old from Sibu suffered a heart attack and collapsed.
Luckily for him, the airport had an automated external defibrillator (AED), and a young woman quickly put it to use and saved his life.
A 60-year-old man’s life was also saved at the Penang International Airport, thanks to the AED there.
Advocates said having AEDs in public spaces should be as common as fire extinguishers due to the rise in cardiovascular diseases.
However, they acknowledged that there are still challenges in ensuring the effective use of these devices to save individual lives.
“Training is important. Ensuring the AEDs are in working condition at all times is also crucial,” said Malaysian Retailers Association president Datuk Andrew Lim.
“There is a lack of public awareness regarding the proper use of AEDs.
“Members of the public should know how to use an AED. Of course, the device comes with instructions, but during emergencies, every second counts,” Lim said.
He also said that private companies can help the government by placing AEDs in public spaces.
Lim noted that four lives were saved with the use of AEDs at the Sogo shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur since the devices were installed.
Meanwhile, Selangor has taken the lead in promoting the use of AEDs and has installed 56 units at government-owned premises, including local council offices, since early this year.
However, state public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said that the people’s lack of familiarity with the devices remains a challenge.
She said apart from educating people on the usage of AEDs, the risk of the devices being vandalised in public spaces would also need to be addressed.
“We need to ensure the AEDs undergo regular maintenance and are serviceable at all times so that they can be put to use effectively when the need arises.
“The installation of the devices should also be based on need, especially in people-dense areas such as shopping malls, government buildings and recreational centres,” Jamaliah said.
The Selangor government is currently in discussions with various stakeholders to consider making the placement of AEDs in public areas mandatory.
Rotary Club of Ara Damansara past president Ling Hau Ching said heart attacks are not just affecting older individuals but are also prevalent among younger people in recent years.
He said under the club’s initiative of the “A Lifesaver in Every Home” programme, four AEDs have been donated to date, with the latest being placed at the Al-Makmuriah Mosque in Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara.
Ling said over 200 individuals have also received training on the proper usage of the devices.
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok said she would also raise the need for more awareness and installation of AEDs in Parliament.
“With the high prevalence of heart disease in the country, access to AEDs should be as common as fire extinguishers.
“When a heart attack strikes, every second counts. AEDs can save lives during emergencies,” she said at the installation of an AED at a mall in Seputeh recently.
