AED installed at BIA to diagnose life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias

• Many countries have introduced the AED for public use as a solution to address this challenge

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) has been installed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for the victims of sudden cardiac arrest who lose their lives due to a lack of timely medical care, the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) said.  

 An AED is a device that is designed to check the ECG waveform of the patient, give voice commands, and deliver an electric shock when necessary to resuscitate the patient.  

These machines are designed to be used by “non-medical personnel” after training.  

The BIA handles an average of 1.5 million passengers per year and reports frequent cases of cardiac arrest.   Cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Sri Lanka. 95% of victims of sudden cardiac arrest lose their lives due to the lack of timely medical care. Many countries have introduced the AED for public use as a solution to address this challenge.   The handing over ceremony was held today at the Silk Route Lounge of the airport.