On World Heart Day Bangalore Metro promises a heart attack-free zone

Efforts are being made to make Bangalore Metro premises a heart attack-free zone. On World Heart Day on Thursday, Metro rail authorities received a gift from Opto Circuits (India) Ltd. The package unveiled a Powerheart Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Powerheart AED is used for emergency treatment of victims exhibiting symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest.

This will be the first AED to be installed in Bangalore Metro stations to protect commuters against death from cardiac arrests. The installation of AEDs will be followed by a certified training for a group of staff members of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).

On the occasion, BS Sudhir Chandra, director (project and planning) & functional director of BMRCL, said, “According to World Health Organisation, one in three men and one in two women aged over 40 run the risk of cardiac arrests. By 2020, it is estimated that 33% of the population will be suffering from coronary heart diseases. Many youngsters too are getting affected due to stress, work pressure, and lifestyle,” Vinod Ramnani, CMD, Opto Circuits, said, “Emergency medical personnel may not be present at a crowded station or in moving trains. This makes AEDs indispensable to any successful public transport system.

Many places abroad have made it compulsory to keep AEDs in public places. In India, this is the first time we’re partnering with BMRCL in creating a safe environment for its commuters.”