Scenic spots in Guangzhou installed with first aid equipment

Mini emergency rescue stations containing automated external defibrillators (AED) and first aid kits have been installed in many of Guangzhou's scenic spots from Aug 3, according to news.dayoo.com.

AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias in patients and can be used to treat them through defibrillation.

Installation of such equipment is the result of efforts from the Guangzhou Branch of the Red Cross Society of China, the tourism administration of Guangzhou and the Guangzhou Association of Emergency Rescue.

The first batch of eight mini emergency rescue stations have been set up in places such as Zhengjia Square, Guangzhou Tourist Information Center, Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, Huacheng Square, Canton Tower and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

The rescue station is fitted with a screen which plays public service advertisements. It has shelves which contain the AED machines, first aid kits, as well as more than 20 types of medicine.

Those who need to use the AED machine can scan a QR code which will open the door to the equipment. Photos of the users will be taken to prevent misuse or theft.

The rescue station installed in Guangzhou Tourist Information Center has even more advanced functions – a button can be pressed to call for help. The rescue station is connected to the city's emergency service system.

According to Wang Xifu, a doctor in the emergency department of Guangzhou First People's Hospital, the AED will not harm patients who are mistaken for having cardiac arrhythmias as it analyzes the heart rate before discharging.

Mini emergency rescue stations containing AEDs and first aid kits are installed at many of Guangzhou's scenic spots from Aug 3. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The rescue station contains AEDs, first aid kits and more than 20 types of medicine. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]