Many countries with lower GDP than Vietnam have installed automatic defibrillators in public places.

'Many people have shared with me their concerns that if an automatic defibrillator is placed in a public place, it will be stolen. However, I believe that no one would take away a device that can increase the chance of saving someone's life to sell,' Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Lan Hieu said.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Lan Hieu shares about the project of installing automatic defibrillators in public places - Photo: D.LIEU

This is the sharing of Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Lan Hieu, Director of Hanoi Medical University Hospital, about the project of placing defibrillators in public places. This project was proposed by him in the context of the high rate of cardiac arrest and out-of-hospital death at the hospital.

'Placing automatic defibrillators in public places increases the chance of saving patients' lives'

According to Dr. Hieu, installing automatic defibrillators in public areas will increase the chance of saving the lives of people with cardiac arrest if used promptly.

He said that in many countries, automatic defibrillators have become common equipment at airports, train stations, shopping malls, and even on the streets. In fact, the survival rate when resuscitating cardiac arrest outside of a hospital with a defibrillator is higher.

When it is confirmed that the patient is in cardiac arrest, it is necessary to perform chest compressions and artificial respiration immediately. Then, install an automatic defibrillator and follow the instructions of the machine, then the chance of saving the patient's life will be higher.

With this project, Dr. Hieu proposed to test it in a tourist city first, where there are many social resources and the interest of the business community. After implementation, the project will be evaluated and lessons learned to expand to remote areas.

According to him, there are two factors that determine the success of the project. The first is investment resources, which will initially come mainly from philanthropists, organizations, and businesses. The second is training and communication, which is the responsibility of medical experts.

"I believe that human health and life are priceless and cannot be compared to investment costs. Many countries with lower GDP than Vietnam still implement this, there is no reason why we cannot do it," Dr. Hieu emphasized.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Lan Hieu shares about the project he initiated - Photo: D.LIEU

Where to put it, how to do it?

According to Dr. Hieu, when he proposed this project, many people wondered "if placing the device in a public place would be afraid of being stolen". He believes that no one would take away a device that could increase the chance of saving someone's life to sell.

He said the project will start by reviewing commune and ward health stations and grassroots hospitals that do not have machines to install. The next phase will expand to "medically empty" locations that are too far from medical facilities such as pharmacies, bus stations, wharves, beaches, etc., depending on the locality's choice.

Regarding technical concerns, people do not know how to use the equipment, Mr. Hieu said that in the first phase, the standard procedures of the World Health Organization will be applied, translated into Vietnamese and added specific elements of Vietnam such as emergency drowning, fire and disaster.

"It will initially be deployed at medical stations, hospitals or airports where there are medical staff. Medical staff will have basic knowledge and additional instructions, so not being able to use it is not too worrying.

In addition, the project will organize training classes and issue certificates to active students so that they can become volunteers to guide others," Dr. Hieu informed.

Dr. Hieu also believes that the deployment of automatic defibrillators not only protects public health, but also enhances the local image. "A tourist city with an automatic defibrillator system right at the airport will make a strong impression on visitors," said Dr. Hieu.

According to him, the project has received support from many localities. Currently, on the market, an automatic defibrillator costs 20 - 30 million VND. Many companies have contacted to donate or sell at preferential prices.

"We expect to complete the survey by the end of August and announce the pilot localities in early September. We will do whatever resources we have," Dr. Hieu affirmed.

In the long term, after evaluating the effectiveness, Dr. Hieu believes that banks and businesses can equip their own headquarters and branches. For remote areas, the State can support.

WILLOW

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nhieu-nuoc-gdp-thap-hon-viet-nam-da-dat-may-soc-tim-tu-dong-noi-cong-cong-20250810191453439.htm