In a first-of-its kind initiative in the state, the Railways have set up an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at the platform of the Ernakulam South Railway Station. According to the Railway officials, the equipment will serve as a blessing to the heart patients who arrive at one-of-the-most crowded stations in the state.
The AED has been set up in association with the Heart Care Foundation along with the sponsorship of V-Guard Industries Ltd.
The device is a portable electronic equipment that has the capacity to automatically diagnose potentially life-threatening cardiac arrest cases. It has the ability to correct the heart rhythm of the patient.
The machine can be used during emergencies of a cardiac arrest or acute chest pain.
The machine can be taken from the site and used by any trained personnel where it can be operated as per instructions from the machine. A few of the Railway staff have also been trained in this regard.
According to officials of the Heart Care Foundation, more Railway staff will be trained in the future to make use of the equipment. The equipment can be utilised during any emergency with the aid of the station master or manager who will be able to offer more help prior to the use of the machine, officials said.
Keeping in mind the safety of its citizens, the machine has been set up at all public places in the developed countries across the world.
Currently, there are a few AED’s set up at the Cochin International Airport in Nedumbassery.