KUALA LUMPUR, 3 July (Bernama) – Sudden cardiac arrest continues to be one of the leading causes of death in Malaysia, often occurring without warning and requiring immediate intervention.
In Malaysia, survival rates remain low between 0.5 per cent and 8.5 per cent, largely due to the lack of access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and delayed initiation of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Without immediate CPR intervention, the chances of survival drop significantly with each passing minute, especially after 8 to 10 minutes.
As such, Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) has expanded access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at several public locations in Kuala Lumpur while stepping up emergency response training to improve survival chances for victims of sudden cardiac arrest.
The initiative, implemented under the hospital's corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, builds on SMCV's earlier "Save A Number, Save A Life" campaign by expanding access to AEDs at strategic high-traffic locations, including selected MRT stations, commercial buildings and corporate premises, while enhancing public awareness campaigns and hands-on training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED usage.
SMCV Medical Director and Consultant Emergency Physician Dr Wee Tong Ming said sudden cardiac arrest can occur without warning, and immediate intervention is crucial, as survival rates decline significantly with every passing minute if CPR is not initiated promptly.
“Oftentimes, when an emergency occurs, lives are not lost due to lack of help, but because of delays in response and the lack of access to life-saving tools, which can have severe consequences between life and death, making every second of response count,” he said in a statement.
Among the locations identified for the AED installations are Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), Bukit Bintang, Ampang Park and Muzium Negara MRT stations, Aquaria KLCC, Menara Public Bank and Menara Public Bank 2.
These strategic placements within busy commercial and transportation hubs aim to provide timely access to AEDs in areas where cardiac emergencies are more likely to occur.
The AED installation will also be extended to the National Heritage Building of Stadium Merdeka within the Merdeka 118 Precinct, Public Bank-ITTC (IT & Training Centre), and Bangunan Public Bank, Jalan Sultan Sulaiman.
On top of that, each AED unit will be supported by a clear standee designed for ease of visibility and use, allowing bystanders to respond effectively in critical emergency moments.
QR code stickers linking to the SMCV’s previous “Save A Number, Save A Life” campaign webpage will also be placed on the AED standees as well as General Practitioner (GP) clinics, providing quick access to essential medical emergencies guidance.
Meanwhile, SMCV Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Susan Cheow said the initiative aims to improve emergency preparedness by making life-saving equipment more accessible while increasing public confidence in responding to medical emergencies.
“We believe that in a medical emergency, no one should feel helpless, whether it's because they don’t know what to do or don’t have access to the right equipment”.
“By strengthening both infrastructure and public awareness across various areas in Kuala Lumpur, we aim to empower the public to respond quickly and confidently, improving the chances of survival during medical emergencies,” she said.
In addition to installing the AED units, the hospital has conducted on-site training sessions and Accident and Emergency (A&E) awareness talks to equip members of the public with basic life support skills, including recognising cardiac arrest symptoms, performing CPR and operating AEDs safely.
“Installing AEDs is only one part of improving emergency response. What is equally important is ensuring that people know how to use them correctly when every second matters. Through these training sessions and awareness talks, we hope to equip the public and staff with the right technique, knowledge, and confidence to respond effectively, as timely and proper action can help save more lives,” Dr Wee added.
“Medical emergencies not only test healthcare systems, but they also test how prepared our shared spaces are to support people in moments of crisis,” she said, adding that the initiative aims to foster a stronger safety mindset by encouraging emergency preparedness as part of everyday planning rather than an afterthought.
Through this initiative, SMCV continues to advocate for proactive healthcare and public empowerment, emphasising its commitment to making life-saving interventions more accessible, timely, and impactful for all Malaysians.
Without immediate CPR intervention, the chances of survival drop significantly with each passing minute, especially after 8 to 10 minutes.
As such, Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) has expanded access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at several public locations in Kuala Lumpur while stepping up emergency response training to improve survival chances for victims of sudden cardiac arrest.
The initiative, implemented under the hospital's corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, builds on SMCV's earlier "Save A Number, Save A Life" campaign by expanding access to AEDs at strategic high-traffic locations, including selected MRT stations, commercial buildings and corporate premises, while enhancing public awareness campaigns and hands-on training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED usage.
SMCV Medical Director and Consultant Emergency Physician Dr Wee Tong Ming said sudden cardiac arrest can occur without warning, and immediate intervention is crucial, as survival rates decline significantly with every passing minute if CPR is not initiated promptly.
“Oftentimes, when an emergency occurs, lives are not lost due to lack of help, but because of delays in response and the lack of access to life-saving tools, which can have severe consequences between life and death, making every second of response count,” he said in a statement.
Among the locations identified for the AED installations are Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), Bukit Bintang, Ampang Park and Muzium Negara MRT stations, Aquaria KLCC, Menara Public Bank and Menara Public Bank 2.
These strategic placements within busy commercial and transportation hubs aim to provide timely access to AEDs in areas where cardiac emergencies are more likely to occur.
The AED installation will also be extended to the National Heritage Building of Stadium Merdeka within the Merdeka 118 Precinct, Public Bank-ITTC (IT & Training Centre), and Bangunan Public Bank, Jalan Sultan Sulaiman.
On top of that, each AED unit will be supported by a clear standee designed for ease of visibility and use, allowing bystanders to respond effectively in critical emergency moments.
QR code stickers linking to the SMCV’s previous “Save A Number, Save A Life” campaign webpage will also be placed on the AED standees as well as General Practitioner (GP) clinics, providing quick access to essential medical emergencies guidance.
Meanwhile, SMCV Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Susan Cheow said the initiative aims to improve emergency preparedness by making life-saving equipment more accessible while increasing public confidence in responding to medical emergencies.
“We believe that in a medical emergency, no one should feel helpless, whether it's because they don’t know what to do or don’t have access to the right equipment”.
“By strengthening both infrastructure and public awareness across various areas in Kuala Lumpur, we aim to empower the public to respond quickly and confidently, improving the chances of survival during medical emergencies,” she said.
In addition to installing the AED units, the hospital has conducted on-site training sessions and Accident and Emergency (A&E) awareness talks to equip members of the public with basic life support skills, including recognising cardiac arrest symptoms, performing CPR and operating AEDs safely.
“Installing AEDs is only one part of improving emergency response. What is equally important is ensuring that people know how to use them correctly when every second matters. Through these training sessions and awareness talks, we hope to equip the public and staff with the right technique, knowledge, and confidence to respond effectively, as timely and proper action can help save more lives,” Dr Wee added.
“Medical emergencies not only test healthcare systems, but they also test how prepared our shared spaces are to support people in moments of crisis,” she said, adding that the initiative aims to foster a stronger safety mindset by encouraging emergency preparedness as part of everyday planning rather than an afterthought.
Through this initiative, SMCV continues to advocate for proactive healthcare and public empowerment, emphasising its commitment to making life-saving interventions more accessible, timely, and impactful for all Malaysians.