Malaysian Red Crescent Society members handling AED and CPR awareness training in Petaling Jaya. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
AUTOMATED external defibrillators (AEDs) are portable life-saving devices that can make a crucial difference in cardiac emergencies, mainly in situations of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Graduate School of Business (GSB) Code Blue team project leader Syahir Malek said first responders who attended to SCA cases must be equipped with skills to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
He said it was important that AEDs were placed strategically in public areas and people having the knowledge to use it.
“We need more people trained in CPR and AED usage as it is important to create heart-safe environments.
“Advocating for CPR and AED training in workplaces, sports centres and neighbourhoods can result in improving SCA survival rates,” said Syahir, 28.
AEDs are simple to use voice-activated medical devices that can analyse the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective tempo.
The Code Blue team was made up of eight UKM GSB students, said Syahir.
Part of their Masters of Business Administration final-year project aimed for greater engagement in progressively shaping societies to create awareness on the use of AEDs and knowledge in CPR, he said.
“We strongly support the need for AEDs in workplaces, home, sports facilities and public areas.
“Our team remains committed to promoting AEDs being made available in high footfall areas, which will in due course contribute to better preparedness and a safer environment,” he added.
Code Blue MBA students recently joined hands with sponsors Commerce Dot Com (CDC) and Wipro Unza Sdn Bhd to hold a CPR and AED awareness training programme at CDC’s sports facility in Petaling Jaya.
CDC’s contribution allowed the purchase of one AED unit placed at its facility.
Wipro Unza Sdn Bhd contributed value-in-kind support for the corporate social responsibility event.
CDC group chief executive officer Muzafar Kamal Shahaluddin said the company was proud to collaborate with Wipro Unza, UKM-GSB and the Code Blue team to champion the importance of CPR and AED awareness.
“Our commitment to corporate social responsibility extends beyond business, as we strive to create a safer and healthier environment for our community.
“Together, we are making a meaningful impact in addressing cardiovascular health concerns and saving lives,” he added.
CDC corporate planning vice-president Hafidz Ahmad Zehnun said the AED was a small device but it played a big role in helping save lives.
The company was supportive of such an event that created a safer environment, Hafidz added.
Also present was UKM-GSB Quality Management head and project supervisor Dr Ngan Sue Lin.
At the half-day event, training on CPR and usage of the AED machines was provided by Malaysian Red Crescent Society Kuala Lumpur branch.
