Need for automated external defibrillators in public places

I REFER to the report “Five teens and AED save footballer’s life” (The Star, Sept 17). It is noteworthy that automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are readily available in many areas in Penang.

This is not the case in the rest of the country, however. These life-saving medical devices can detect electrocardiographic (ECG) rhythms and administer electrical shocks if it detects abnormal ventricular rhythms. The device’s voice commands tell the people resuscitating the victim what to do.