Miri adds AED facility for community safety

MIRI, 7 Oct: Four new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units will be installed at a strategic location around Miri through the AED Community Safety Program hosted by Rotary Club of Miri Oil Town.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts of Sarawak, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew said the facility is essential to enable immediate action in case of heart attack.

"The first few minutes are crucial because they can determine whether a person is still alive or suffering serious brain damage.

"When we need it, these AEDs become very important and useful. With a little practice, I believe this device can be used easily", he said during the soft launch of the program at Miri Circle Park, here today.

According to him, the installation of four new units will bring the total number of AEDs under the initiative to five units, with the location of each device being identified to facilitate public access in emergencies.

"This is an excellent effort from the Rotary Club. They worked hard to get donations and sponsorships to make this program work.

"Cooperation and teamwork are very important, especially in implementing programmes that directly benefit the Miri community", he added.

Each AED unit is worth about RM11,000, making the cost of four new units totalling around RM44,000.

The initiative is also said to be in line with efforts to promote healthy lifestyles among the Miri community, especially those users of Bulat Park who are actively engaged in exercise activities. - TVS