Record bid: CPR and AED training set to enter the Malaysian Book of Records for the most number of participants learning CPR and AED in a single event. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Cardiac arrest does not only strike those who engage in strenuous exercise. Even someone enjoying a karaoke session can suffer a sudden episode.
This can occur without any prior signs of heart-related problems, says Penang Heart Safe Society president Datuk Dr Luah Lean Wah.
She said that sudden cardiac arrest can also affect young people with underlying health issues, or be triggered by electrocution or severe infections.
“It is crucial to know how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), because when a person’s heart stops, blood can no longer reach the brain.
“There are only about four minutes of ‘golden time’ before brain cells begin to die.
“If CPR is not provided until the ambulance arrives, the person may survive, but could be left in a vegetative state,” she warned.
Dr Luah said knowing how to operate an automated external defibrillator (AED) was just as important as performing CPR, particularly when dealing with ventricular fibrillation, a type of irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
“Having an AED on hand is crucial because CPR alone may not be enough. The AED delivers a shock to ‘stun’ the heart and restore a normal rhythm.
“This is why it’s important for public spaces to be equipped with AEDs. They are easy to use and designed specifically for laymen,” she said.
Dr Luah added that the survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest in Malaysia is just 1%, but in Penang, it is higher at 6%.
“There are currently 300 AEDs placed in public spaces and over 5,000 in private premises. We hope to install more and train more people to perform CPR.
“It is important for all to learn CPR and operate an AED regardless of their age,” she said during the mass CPR-AED 2025 event held at Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) yesterday.
The event, which drew 7,062 participants, was organised by the Penang Heart Safe Society with the support of St John Ambulance Penang, Malaysian Red Crescent Island Branch and USM in conjunction with the society’s 10th anniversary.
It entered the Malaysian Book of Records for the largest number of participants learning CPR-AED in a day.
The organisers also applied for the Guinness World Records, with the results to be announced at a later date.
Penang Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi, who was the guest of honour, said the event aimed to expand the community’s knowledge and skills.
“These skills are not just theoretical but can make a difference between life and death.
“Sudden cardiac arrest occurs unexpectedly, and every second counts.
“In critical moments like these, early action by trained individuals can save a life,” he said.
At the event, biochemical engineering student S. Naga Nivhasshini, 21, recalled seeing a senior citizen collapse during sports day before volunteers performed CPR on him. This memory stayed with her over the years.
“While hand placement is easy when performing CPR, keeping to the correct tempo is difficult.
“One needs to maintain a pace, which can be tiring. The trainers said it is best to take turns,” she said.
Assoc Prof Dr Shahrul Bariyah Sahul Hamid, 53, said she comes from a family with a history of heart disease, which spurred her to learn CPR.
“I have lost a few family members to heart-related ailments, and some have even collapsed and suddenly passed away from cardiac arrest.
“This has always worried me and lingered at the back of my mind.
“Learning CPR and how to use an AED gives me some relief, as I now know what to do in case of an emergency,” she said.
Shahrul Bariyah said picking up CPR was not difficult, adding that the AED seemed simple to operate.
“Sometimes, the older generation might not be exposed to such equipment unless we attend events like this,” she said.
