KUALA LUMPUR: Sudden cardiac arrest remains one of Malaysia’s leading causes of death, often striking without warning and demanding immediate intervention. While the condition can affect anyone regardless of age or health status, survival largely depends on how quickly cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is administered and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used. Unfortunately, low public awareness, limited access to AEDs and delayed emergency response continue to contribute to Malaysia’s low out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates.
Recognising this critical gap, Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) has launched a new corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness by expanding access to AEDs while equipping the public with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies. The initiative builds upon the hospital’s earlier “Save A Number, Save A Life” campaign, reinforcing its commitment to promoting timely intervention and positioning its Accident & Emergency (A&E) department as a trusted multi-specialty emergency tertiary care provider.
According to SMCV Medical Director and Consultant Emergency Physician, Dr Wee Tong Ming, sudden cardiac arrest can occur anywhere and at any time, making immediate action crucial. He stressed that lives are often lost not because help is unavailable, but because bystanders hesitate or lack access to essential life-saving equipment. Every minute of delay significantly reduces the victim’s chances of survival, highlighting the importance of improving both accessibility and public readiness.
As part of the initiative, SMCV has installed AED units at several strategic, high-traffic locations across Kuala Lumpur. These include MRT stations such as Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), Bukit Bintang, Ampang Park and Muzium Negara, as well as Aquaria KLCC, Menara Public Bank and Menara Public Bank 2. The programme will soon expand to include the National Heritage Building at the Merdeka 118 Precinct, Public Bank IT & Training Centre (ITTC) and Bangunan Public Bank on Jalan Sultan Sulaiman, further strengthening the city’s emergency response network.
To ensure the equipment can be located and used quickly during emergencies, each AED unit is accompanied by clearly visible standees and QR codes that direct users to SMCV’s “Save A Number, Save A Life” digital resource. The QR codes, which are also placed at participating general practitioner (GP) clinics, provide easy access to emergency guidance and essential medical information that can assist members of the public during critical situations.
Beyond expanding AED availability, SMCV is placing equal emphasis on public education. The hospital has organised on-site AED demonstrations, CPR training sessions and Accident & Emergency awareness talks at selected locations to help participants recognise cardiac arrest symptoms, perform basic life support and operate AEDs safely and confidently. By combining infrastructure with education, the initiative aims to remove the uncertainty many bystanders experience when confronted with medical emergencies.
SMCV Chief Executive Officer Susan Cheow said the hospital believes no one should feel powerless during a medical emergency due to a lack of knowledge or equipment. She noted that the initiative is designed not only to improve access to life-saving devices but also to foster a stronger culture of emergency preparedness across public spaces and corporate environments. Through greater awareness and practical training, more people can become confident first responders capable of making a life-saving difference before professional medical help arrives.
The initiative reflects Sunway Medical Centre Velocity’s broader commitment to proactive healthcare, community empowerment and improving emergency response capabilities throughout Malaysia. By making AEDs more accessible and ensuring the public knows how to use them effectively, SMCV hopes to create safer communities where every second truly counts and more lives can be saved.
