A voluntary firefighter in Butterworth has successfully revived over 100 sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) victims in the past three years, utilizing an automated external defibrillator (AED) that he carries at all times. Gee Pin Chiew, a 40-year-old member of the Jalan Raja Uda voluntary fire squad, joined the squad in 2016 after harboring a desire to become a firefighter since he was 12. Witnessing many individuals collapse due to SCA without proper assistance, he recognized the urgent need for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED training.
The fire squad initiated a community crowdfunding campaign, raising RM9,500 to purchase an AED. As the sole member certified in CPR and AED training, Gee was designated to carry the device at all times. With the AED secured on his motorcycle, Gee has been disheartened by the frequency of emergency calls reporting victims experiencing a cardiac arrest. The majority of those he has saved are above 50 years old, with scenarios ranging from household accidents to sporting activities such as badminton or hiking. The youngest individual Gee has treated with CPR and the AED this year was a 35-year-old man.
Gee firmly believes that an unhealthy lifestyle characterized by excessive salt intake, consumption of unhealthy fats, and lack of regular exercise heightens the risk of SCA. Limited to overseeing the Butterworth area along Jalan Raja Uda, a 5km road, Gee regularly encounters numerous SCA cases. Prompted by these experiences, he proactively promotes healthy eating habits and regular exercise during his interactions with others. Notably, Gee is also a certified CPR trainer.
SCA distinguishes itself from a heart attack, which manifests as chest, arm, neck, or jaw pain lasting over an hour before the heart fails. In the event of an SCA, the victim’s heart suddenly ceases to function, leaving only a few minutes to save the person and prevent permanent brain damage. While Gee does not know the survival rate of those he has revived, his primary responsibility as a first responder is to revive the heart and restore breathing. Unfortunately, some individuals still succumb to their conditions after being transported to the hospital, but Gee does not keep track of their outcomes.
In Penang, numerous publicly accessible AEDs are available throughout the state. Interested individuals can locate them by searching for “AED” on Google Maps. In March, Gee and several friends founded an NGO named Code Blue Rescue Team (CBRT). Medical professionals employ the term “code blue” to indicate a critical emergency when a patient’s heart has stopped, necessitating immediate action.
Each time the AED is used, the shock pads and battery must be replaced, costing approximately RM600 per change. Funding for this comes from around 100 friends. CBRT aims to establish a larger team of first responders on motorcycles with AEDs, recognizing their efficacy in rapidly assisting SCA victims. Gee is open to sharing his knowledge and aiding other communities in setting up similar systems to support SCA victims. For more information, visit the “Code Blue Rescue Team” Facebook page.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
