Philips collaborated with the Singapore Heart Foundation to host complimentary training sessions for retirees from the heartlands of Singapore because the people with the highest propensity for cardiac failure are the elderly5 and the ones who would be able to provide immediate assistance are their peers in the neighborhood. At the same time, this campaign serves to demonstrate that if senior citizens are able to take up this training to become certified rescuers, the wider community can easily do the same.
“Losing my father to sudden cardiac arrest made me understand the true value of people being able to recognize the symptoms, and being able to administer CPR and AED at the right time. Had I known this back then, I might have been able to save his life. When I saw the notification about this training program, I immediately wanted to join even though I was a bit hesitant as I thought it might be quite difficult for me to administer CPR and AED properly because I’m over 60 and have a knee problem,” said Bernard Chan, 65 years old, Certified AED and CPR provider. “Having completed the course, I believe it is worthwhile for people of all ages to join the program, as I truly feel that I am now able to save a life when needed. It was also great to learn that the Philips HeartStart AED is quite easy to use, you just follow the automated voice instructions which guide you step by step throughout.”
“Many people do not get certified or attend such training programs as they fear they are not able to do it,” said Dr. Jade Kua, President of the Association of Women Doctors, Singapore and Consultant, Department of Emergency Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. “To make progress, we must demonstrate that everyone can save a life, regardless of age, and that the first step in making a difference is eliminating this fear. The ‘Retiree Rescue’ campaign is definitely headed in the right direction in ensuring that more of us get onboard to be certified and help save lives when every second matters.”
