Expressnews
Chennai, 3rd September 2023: Kauvery Hospital Vadapalani, a unit of Kauvery Group of Hospitals, a leading multispecialty healthcare chain in Tamil Nadu, installed an Automated External Defibrillator at Sivan Park KK Nagar. The initiative under Restart Heart Foundation, is to address the rising numbers of sudden cardiac arrests, educate the community on prevention ofdeaths due to cardiac arrests and equip them with the skills to provide immediate response to such a life threatening emergency. The inauguration was by Thiru. A. M. V. Prabhakara Raja, MLA, Virugambakkam Constituency.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a device that is used in an emergency situation- a cardiac arrest. The AED isprogrammed to detect and interpret an electrocardiogram and deliver an electrical shock using accessories such as a power source (battery) and pad electrodes. The portable device gives voice prompts with step by step instructions to be followed by the user. This can be used by anyone who has received minimal training, to use the AED thereby helping to revive the heart rhythm of an individual who suffered a cardiac arrest in a public place. This also enables in keeping him/her stable until an ambulance arrives for further treatment.
Speaking on the occasion, Thiru. A. M .V Prabhakara Raja, MLA, Virugambakkam Constituency said, “An emergency can occur anytime anywhere, especially in public places. During such scenarios, it is essential to have access to medical care. AEDs are helpful in addressing sudden cardiac arrests, where a bystander can provide first hand help until an ambulance arrives. A location such as Sivan Park has over 1000 people visiting on a daily basis. People across all age groups visit the park for their fitness routine or leisure activities. Therefore, it is essential to equip the place with right medical assistance that would be needed in times of distress. I appreciate Kauvery Hospital Vadapalani for this noble initiative, thereby preventing deaths due to sudden cardiac arrests.”
Speaking on the initiative, Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder & Executive Director Kauvery Group of Hospitals, “There has been a sudden spurt in deaths due to sudden cardiac arrests, most of which could have been prevented with timely intervention and emergency precautions. More than 70% of cardiac arrests occur outside the hospital, and with the right intervention the chances of survival can improve significantly. Hence, it is essential to educate the public and the corporation staff – who are often the bystanders. Through the Restart Heart Foundation, we shall be installing AED at more locations in the region, and train the facility staff on Basic Life Support and First Aid. We believe the initiative will create a significant impact on overall wellbeing of the community.”
