At a discussion on the project to install ICDs in public places held on August 10, Hieu, now Director of Hanoi Medical University Hospital, revealed that over the past week, the number of people seeking cardiovascular checkups, coronary angiography, and heart health consultations has surged significantly.

Hieu emphasized that besides screening for risk factors, the community needs to raise awareness about out-of-hospital first aid skills for sudden cardiac arrest cases.

Hieu advised that when discovering an unconscious person, the first step is to check the pulse at the neck (carotid artery) or groin. If a pulse is detected, the person is not in cardiac arrest and still has a chance for rescue. In this case, bystanders should immediately call 115 for professional medical assistance.

If no pulse is found, it indicates sudden cardiac arrest, and chest compression must be performed immediately. Bystanders can assist or call for phone-guided instructions.

Value of automated defibrillators

Hieu highlighted the importance of AEDs for patients suffering from cardiac attacks. He recalled 2 recent real-world examples to prove the importance of AEDs: one referee died due to not receiving timely defibrillation, while a young man was saved thanks to quick intervention by the 115 team with an AED.

AED is a critical life-saving device in cardiac arrest cases. Globally, installing AEDs in public areas has long been implemented and proven far more effective than manual chest compression. 

The survival rate of patients rescued with AEDs is significantly higher due to their ability to restore normal heart rhythm through electric shocks.

When asked if installing AEDs is feasible in Vietnam’s current conditions of infrastructure and budget, Hieu affirmed that despite the high initial investment, the value of reducing mortality rates is immeasurable. Many countries with lower GDP than Vietnam have successfully implemented this, so there’s no reason Vietnam cannot.

He noted that some private corporations, residential buildings, and airports in Vietnam have started installing AEDs, but due to a lack of coordinated deployment and training programs, their effectiveness has not been fully realized.

Hieu proposed piloting the AED installation project in tourist cities first, where social resources and support from large businesses are abundant. After the pilot phase, lessons learned will be used to expand the project nationwide. 

He believes the project will receive strong community support. Organizations, individuals, and businesses will provide financial support to purchase devices, and medical experts are committed to training the community on AED use and basic first aid skills.

No worries about theft or misuse

Initially, AEDs will be prioritized for installation at medical facilities lacking such devices, such as commune or ward health stations or some grassroots-level hospitals. Next, public areas far from medical facilities, like churches, bus stations, ferry terminals, and beaches, will be equipped with AEDs based on local needs and choices. After covering key locations, activities will be reviewed to evaluate effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.

HIeu also calmed the public down, affirming that no worries about theft or misuse of the valuable medical equipment. On the concern that the machines may be stolen and sold for money, he said the problem may be solved with reference to international practice.

AED usage instructions are very specific, including support via video calls or AI. Hieu also dismissed concerns about “bystander liability” during first aid, noting that the Vietnamese community strongly supports life-saving actions, as seen in videos of nurses or citizens rescuing drowning children.

Through this, the project also encourages the community to learn and enhance social responsibility. People will learn basic first aid skills, such as proper chest compression or using AEDs as guided by the device.

Training classes will be organized, and those who complete the courses can become volunteers ready to use the devices. This will form a nationwide emergency support network.

Currently, an AED costs on average between VND20-30 million. Many companies have offered to sell or sponsor devices for this nonprofit project, helping reduce costs. Hieu believes that with community and government support, localities will become safe, livable places, especially in the eyes of international tourists.

Hieu stated that the AED deployment project is expected to complete its survey by the end of August 2025 and announce the implementing locality in early September 2025.

Phuong Thuy