Automated external defibrillators installed in Valletta

Six automated external defibrillators (AEDs) were installed in different areas in Valletta, with two more in the pipeline—one across Marks & Spencer and the other in Merchants Street.

AEDs are portable electronic devices that automatically diagnose life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, irregular heartbeats in layman's terms. Through the application of electricity and defibrillation, the heart could be helped into reacquiring the normal rhythm. 

Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne and Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Protection Deo Debattista inaugurated these lifesaving installment earlier today in Valletta.

Debattista said that this qualifies the capital city as a Heart Friendly Capital. "Valletta 2018 would not be complete without these initiative, through which human lives are being safeguarded," he said.

Fearne said that a third of deaths in Malta can be attributed to cardiac conditions. "An appropriate intervention can lead to lives being saved. The AEDs are easy to use and the devices themselves give instructions to the user."

AEDs are used in situations where a patient is experiencing the onset of a heart attack, has just suffered cardiac arrest, or has lost a pulse for some other reason.

The government's plan is to install a number of AEDs across the entire country.

Fearne thanked the Malta Heart Foundation and the Malta Resuscitation Council for their aid in this initiative.

The six AEDs can be found near the Malta Public Transport terminus, in Marsamxett close to Cockney's restaurant, one close to Castille hotel, one in front of the parliament building, one across from the Chemimart pharmacy and one on Old Theatre Street across from the Empire pharmacy.