KOCHI: The Cochin International Airport Limited has introduced two Automated External Defibrillators (AED) at the domestic and international terminals. The AEDs, which are lifesaving devices used in emergency cases of cardiac arrests, were presented by Opto Circuits (India) Limited officials on Saturday in the presence of CIAL MD V J Kurien.
“This is for the first time in Kerala that such a device is being installed at a public place. The Cochin Airport is a good target spot because through which at least 30,000 people pass every day, and many instances of cardiac emergencies have occurred here,” said Dr Jose Chacko Periappuram.
The AED, which works on electricity, has a life span of four to five years. “One minute of medical aid delay to a person suffering from cardiac arrest will increase the risk factor by about 10 per cent. In such an emergency, without immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation, brain damage or death can occur in just four to six minutes,” said Gorm Alleck, Sales Director of Asia Pacific, while delivering a presentation.
The AEDs deliver an electric shock to the heart, bringing back its normal rhythm. Even laymen can operate them, he added.