Every Second Saves Lives: Enhancing Emergency Readiness with AEDs

KUALA LUMPUR: Medical emergencies can happen without warning, and in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, every minute can determine whether a life is saved or lost. Recognising the urgent need to improve emergency response outside hospital settings, Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) is stepping up its efforts to make life-saving equipment more accessible while empowering the public with the skills needed to act confidently during emergencies.

Through its latest corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, SMCV is expanding the availability of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across several high-traffic locations in Kuala Lumpur. The programme, which builds on the hospital’s “Save A Number, Save A Life” campaign, aims to encourage faster bystander intervention and raise awareness of the critical role AEDs and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) play in improving survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest victims.

Although cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Malaysia, many incidents occur outside healthcare facilities, where immediate medical assistance may not be readily available. Health experts emphasise that prompt CPR and early defibrillation within the first few minutes can significantly improve a patient’s chances of survival. However, hesitation, lack of knowledge and limited access to AEDs remain major obstacles that prevent timely intervention.

To address these challenges, SMCV has installed AED units at strategic public locations including MRT stations at Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), Bukit Bintang, Ampang Park and Muzium Negara, alongside Aquaria KLCC, Menara Public Bank and Menara Public Bank 2. The initiative will soon be expanded to include the National Heritage Building at the Merdeka 118 Precinct, Public Bank IT & Training Centre (ITTC) and Bangunan Public Bank on Jalan Sultan Sulaiman, creating a wider network of publicly accessible emergency equipment.

The hospital has also introduced informative standees and QR codes at every AED location, allowing members of the public to quickly access emergency guidance through its digital platform. The QR codes, which are also available at selected general practitioner (GP) clinics, provide essential information on recognising cardiac emergencies, contacting emergency services and administering basic first aid while waiting for medical professionals to arrive.

Understanding that equipment alone is not enough, SMCV is complementing the initiative with public education programmes that include hands-on AED demonstrations, CPR workshops and Accident & Emergency (A&E) awareness talks. These sessions are designed to equip participants with practical knowledge, helping them identify the signs of cardiac arrest and respond appropriately during the crucial first few minutes before emergency medical teams arrive.

According to SMCV, improving emergency preparedness requires collaboration between healthcare providers, businesses and the wider community. By making AEDs readily available and encouraging more people to learn life-saving skills, the hospital hopes to foster a culture where members of the public feel prepared to assist rather than remain passive bystanders during medical emergencies.

The initiative reflects Sunway Medical Centre Velocity’s ongoing commitment to community healthcare beyond hospital walls. By combining public education with improved access to life-saving equipment, the hospital aims to strengthen emergency response capabilities, increase public confidence and ultimately help save more lives across the community.