Debated in Parliament on 4 Oct 2021.
Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many cardiac arrest emergencies have taken place in parks and park connectors over the past three years; (b) in how many of those emergencies were Automated External Defibrillators (“AEDs”) used; (c) what is the total number of AEDs installed in parks and park connectors to date; and (d) how many users have downloaded the myResponder mobile application and what is being done to promote it.
From July 2018 to June 2021, SCDF responded to close to 50 recorded cardiac arrest incidents in parks and park connectors. In all these incidents, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was used.
NParks has worked with SCDF to increase the number of AEDs in our parks and park connectors over the years. To date, about 200 AEDs have been installed in our most visited parks, including nature reserves, regional parks, as well as park connectors with high visitorship. The AEDs are located at key activity areas in our parks, such as visitor centres, toilet blocks, play areas, fitness corners and F&B outlets. This allows for a quicker response should a cardiac arrest occur. NParks will continue to install more AEDs in our parks and park connectors, in consultation with SCDF.
As of September 2021, more than 180,000 users have downloaded SCDF’s myResponder mobile application, with over 100,000 users registered as community first responders. SCDF works with partners such as the Singapore Heart Foundation and public hospitals to promote the use of the application through organisational townhalls and publicity campaigns. SCDF has also promoted the application through its social media platforms and public engagement programmes such as the Virtual Fire Station Open House, and the Community Emergency Preparedness Programme.
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