THE SOUTHERN Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) pushed for CPR-ready bystanders and wider access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in Davao City.
Dr. Faith Joan Gaerlan, chair of the SPMC Department of Emergency Medicine, said learning hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) saves more lives, especially in emergencies.
“Every person has the capability to save a life if you are willing to share your efforts,” Gaerlan told reporters in a sideline interview during the National CPR Day event on July 17 at SM Lanang.
The SPMC Department of Emergency Medicine led the event to equip ordinary citizens or bystanders with the proper tools to save lives during emergencies.
“Cardiac arrest can happen anytime, anywhere, to anyone. That is why you are the person who can save someone who suddenly loses consciousness,” Gaerlan said.
“Immediately when you see someone, do not hesitate to help because you can save a life by providing CPR in a timely manner,” she added.
At present, only about 31% of the people who go into cardiac arrest receive bystander CPR.
A total of 220 participants from various schools, Brgy. Manuel Guianga and members of the Rotary Club of Davao were trained in hands-only CPR.
During the event, Gaerlan emphasized that while formal certification was issued to the attendees, official credentials are not a prerequisite to saving a life or teaching the skill to others.
Aside from immediate bystander intervention, Gaerlan noted that Davao City benefits from an active Emergency Medical Services (EMS) network, with trained responders stationed not just at Central 911 in Sandawa but also within barangay health centers.
These responders are equipped to bring AEDs directly to emergency scenes and provide aid.
However, Gaerlan stressed the urgent need to expand public access to these devices, urging local establishments to install AEDs across the city.
“The AED is an instrument used to reverse ventricular fibrillation, which occurs when the heart stops, and there is electrical activity, but it’s not enough to sustain pumping blood to the rest of the body,” she explained.
She said the survival rate doubles with timely CPR, which can prolong the time a patient can survive in ventricular fibrillation until the AED arrives.
“So, mas mataas po kapag meron talagang CPR at saka merong AED. Bawat barangay dapat talaga magkaroon po ng ng AED. Establishments must also have AEDs because they can help save lives,” she stressed.
The SPMC plans to scale up its community outreach by bringing hands-only CPR training to schools, barangays, and religious communities. Interested groups and community leaders are advised to coordinate with SPMC for free training sessions.
