Bucheon City Installs Automated External Defibrillators in Convenience Stores... "Expecting to Secure Golden Time"

Bucheon City in Gyeonggi Province announced on the 7th that it has installed automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at four CU convenience stores in the city.

The AEDs were installed at CU Wonmi Best Branch, CU Sangdong Wonmi Branch, CU Sangdong Center Branch, and CU Sosa Gold Branch after conducting a demand survey targeting convenience stores frequently used by many people.

This initiative aims to quickly apply AEDs during the golden time when witnessing a sudden cardiac arrest. An 'AED Installation Facility' sign is posted at the entrances of the CU convenience stores.

Automated External Defibrillator Installed in Convenience Store
Photo by Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi Province

According to major statistics related to sudden cardiac arrest in Gyeonggi Province from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, there were 210 cases of witnessed sudden cardiac arrest in Bucheon City in 2021, accounting for about 20% of the total cases in Gyeonggi Province.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a condition where the heart suddenly stops functioning and blood circulation ceases. Quick reporting by witnesses and prompt emergency measures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are essential for recovery without aftereffects.

Institutions with AED installations can be checked via the smartphone app 'E-gen' or the emergency medical portal. Additionally, citizens who wish to receive CPR training can make reservations on the 'Bucheon City Public Service Reservation Website' and attend classes at the Bucheon University Mongdang Memorial Hall training center.

Jo Yong-ik, Mayor of Bucheon City, stated, "61.5% of sudden cardiac arrest patients experience the event in non-public places such as homes," adding, "We plan to consider expanding AED installations to convenience stores that are easily accessible and operate 24 hours a day to enable rapid application of AEDs during the golden time."