Out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest kills about 5,000 Hong Kong people each year, if bystanders know CPR and can access a defibrillator, we could save more lives
Having already played a role in 100 documented life-saving rescues, Hong Kong's Pacific Medical Systems Limited wants to deliver an important public health message
Download link for press release, high resolution images
https://bit.ly/3quXfIi
HONG KONG, Dec. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A quick-thinking security guard used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on October 8 that saved a life. The AED delivered two electrical shocks to a 53-year-old man, who collapsed in a mall restaurant on the east side of Hong Kong. This man would have died from suffering a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), a lethal glitch in the heart's rhythm, without immediate defibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). He was now discharged from hospital and recovering.
The Automated External Defibrillator (AED), is a compact, portable medical device that checks the heart rhythm and delivers an electric defibrillation shock when needed, resetting the heart's system of electrical impulses that stimulate the heart muscle's pumping action.
Comprehensive research in peer-review based scientific journals show that a quick response by bystanders is most important in saving the life of people in sudden cardiac arrest. The first 5 minutes after a patient's collapse is crucial. Calling an ambulance, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an AED to deliver defibrillation shock have been shown to save lives. The earlier the better chance of survival.
Sudden cardiac arrest: anyone can help
The account of the security guard's saving the sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) victim tells of the 100th life saved by a PowerHeart® AED. These easy-to-use devices are true lifesavers and have been used in 100 successful, out-of-hospital resuscitations of SCA victims with ages ranging from 18 to over 70.
"We're thankful to have been involved in saving 100 lives in Hong Kong, but there's much more that people can do to understand the problem and act to save lives," says Pacific Medical Systems Chief Executive Jules Flach.
Mr. Flach continues, "With a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, it is predominantly a race against time. We have only a few minutes where it is still possible to restore a heart's rhythm to save that person's life. Awareness, first aid training and immediate access to an AED allow bystanders to save someone whose heart has stopped. AEDs are simple to use and are proven to save lives."
As part of its responsibility to the community, Pacific Medical Systems Limited (PMS) urges training of the public in CPR and the use of an AED. The Hong Kong Fire Services Department is one agency offering free lectures on CPR and AEDs, and coordinates the 'Press to shock – Save a life' Automated External Defibrillator Course. More information is available here: https://www.hkfsd.gov.hk/eng/education/amb_press_to_shock.html
"Fast action saves lives. Survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest outside of the hospital setting are totally dependent on prompt bystander engagement and immediate availability of an AED," says Mr Flach.
Automated External Defibrillators have a built-in computer that analyses a person's heart rhythm through electrode pads on their chest. The AED delivers step-by-step voice instructions that notify the user if defibrillation is needed, walks them through the process, and also recognizes when the heart's rhythm has been restored. The AED will not deliver a defibrillation current if the AED determines that it is not needed.
Sudden cardiac arrest affects us all
Sudden Cardiac Arrest describes an event where the heart unexpectedly stops beating normally due to a 'short circuit' in the pathways of the heart muscle. The person suffering a Sudden Cardiac Arrest will become unconscious immediately, unable to call for help. This is quite different to a myocardial infraction or heart attack as it's commonly known, which sees an interruption to the heart's blood supply due to a blockage of the blood vessels in the heart.
In Hong Kong, there are more than 5,000 attempts to resuscitate out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrests each year[1] but the outcomes of these attempts are generally quite low. The worldwide survival rate for out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrests falls in the range from 2 percent to 11 percent.
The June 2019 report in the Hong Kong Medical Journal recommends a public awareness campaign, greater training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, and a Hong Kong-wide programme to install defibrillation equipment that can be used by the public.
[1] https://www.hkmj.org/abstracts/v25n3/222.htm
About Pacific Medical Systems Limited (PMS)
Pacific Medical Systems Limited (PMS) is a medical equipment distribution company founded in Hong Kong in 2003. It specializes in introducing new, innovative products to Hong Kong, mainland China and nearby Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. PMS has established strong presence in areas like Critical Care, Anaesthesia, Cardiology, Neurology, Respiratory, Cardiac Surgery and Emergency Medicine.
For more information, visit www.aed.com.hk or telephone 2108 4005.
Notes to the Editor:
Successful PMS Installed AED Cases Recorded
Years |
No. of Lives Saved |
Remarks |
2005-2012 |
13 |
Majority saved in Clubs and Marathon |
2013 |
8 |
Majority saved in Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) land sports facilities and airport |
2014 |
5 |
Majority saved in LCSD land sports facilities |
2015 |
8 |
Majority saved in LCSD land sports facilities |
2016 |
8 |
Saved in LCSD land sports facilities and shopping mall |
2017 |
14 |
Majority saved in LCSD land sports facilities |
2018 |
13 |
Majority saved in LCSD land sports facilities and Clinic |
2019 |
22 |
Majority saved in LCSD land sports facilities and shopping mall |
2020 (till October) |
9 |
Majority saved in LCSD land sports facilities and shopping mall |
Facts and Figures of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
Sudden cardiac arrest happens without warning and in seemingly healthy people, often without an apparent or pre-existing illness. This potentially lethal problem goes unnoticed, and the exact scale of the problem is difficult to accurately tally.
Typical Steps in AED Rescue
After calling for an ambulance, locate the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) device. As directed by the voice prompts, apply the pair of electrode pads to each side of the patient's bare chest as shown. The AED will immediately analyze the patient's heart rhythm and decide if an electric shock is needed. This fully automatic device will count down and deliver the shock if required. The AED voice prompts will tell the rescuer what to do at each step of the way and when to stand clear for the application of the electric shock therapy. The AED will not deliver any defibrillation therapy if not required. The rescuer is completely safe during this process. The patient's heart rhythm is recorded throughout the rescue process and can be analyzed later by the healthcare providers to help with diagnosis and ongoing treatment.
For video demonstration of AED rescue, please click www.aed.com.hk
About Pacific Medical Systems AEDs
Pacific Medical Systems Limited has been an AED (Automated External Defibrillators) provider since 2004, with over 3500 Powerheart® series AEDs installed in Hong Kong/Macau SAR. The previously known Cardiac Science Powerheart® AEDs, now part of Zoll Medical Corporation, has appointed Pacific Medical Systems Ltd (PMS) to continue as the exclusive distribution partner in Hong Kong / Macau SAR.
The Powerheart® series AEDs are fully automated, reliable and intuitive for layman users. Although the device is designed for layman use with voice prompt instructions, first responders are advised to take a CPR/AED course from the Government recognised certificate course with organisations like Red Cross and St John's Ambulance.
Product Information
PowerHeart® G5 Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
The PowerHeart® G5 automated external defibrillator (AED) is designed for treating life-threatening heart beat irregularities, such as ventricular fibrillation, that cause Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). For product details, please visit: https://www.aed.com.hk/en/product-details.php?id=1
Features of PowerHeart® G5 AED
Download link for press release, high resolution images: https://bit.ly/3quXfIi
