Kochi Metro Rail becomes India’s first rapid transit network to instal cardio-responsive machines

The Kochi Metro Rail Limited which also operates the Water Metro in this city in Kerala added another first to its list. It became the one of the first rapid transit networks in India to be cardio-emergency responsive by installing Automated External Defibrillator machines.

The installation of AEDs was done at the metro rail stations on the World Heart Day celebrated on Friday and the initiative was inaugurated by Loknath Behera, Managing Director of KMRL. He unveiled the first machine at JLN Stadium Station.

According to redcross.org website, “an AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It’s a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyse the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.”

What makes AED useful is that sudden cardiac arrest is among the leading causes of death in the world. And at present, the only way to restore a regular heart rhythm during cardiac arrest is to use an AED.

KMRL is implementing this initiative in association with Awareness Programmes and the Public Education Centre which is a non-government organisation that has been spreading messages and awareness about cardio safety across Kerala.

KMRL will install the AED machines at 10 metro stations and two water metro terminals in the first phase. Their release stated: “All stations at KMRL and Water Metro terminals will have the machines to meet an emergency. The KMRL personnel at the stations will be given training in handling the AED machines.”

Others who were present at the event were Chief Guest Hibi Eden, who is a Member of Parliament and Dileesh Nair, actor, writer, and filmmaker.