The announcement came at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among more than 70 government and private organisations at Bangkok Hospital Phuket, yesterday (Feb 14).
Among the key signatories was the BDMS hospital group. BDMS operates three hospitals in Phuket: Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Bangkok Hospital Siriroj and Dibuk Hospital.
The MoU signing, held at Bangkok Phuket Hospital, also marked the launch of the ‘Heart to Heart’ project, aiming to provide CPR training and promote the use of AEDs within local communities.
After the press conference, a demonstration in CPR and the use of AEDs involving 30 people was held.
“The Thai government recognises the importance of ensuring effective emergency response and boosting the confidence of global tourists visiting our beautiful island,” Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong said.
“Thailand is pursuing a policy of becoming a medical and wellness destination of the Asean region This is an outstanding point that has been accepted by many countries and is another policy. that will help revive the Thai economy,” he added.
“Phuket is a destination that tourists all over the world are interested in and want to visit. Therefore, the Heart To Heart project is part of making tourists confident in their safety and having a good experience,” he noted.
Dr Lalita Kongsiha, Director of Bangkok Hospital Phuket, noted that approximately 37,000 people in Thailand die from heart failure each year, averaging two deaths per hour.
People suffering from acute ischemic heart disease in Thailand have a death rate approximately four to six times higher than other places, she noted.
“CPR as a first aid method increases the chance of survival. It helps reduce injuries, disabilities and loss of life,” Dr Lalita said.
“The helper must have knowledge, understanding and skills, and must be confident and act appropriately. This will make the assistance successful,” she continued.
“The importance of CPR depends on the heart pumping being done correctly and in time. Because if the brain is deprived of oxygen for more than four minutes, it can be damaged.
“And every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation will reduce the chance of survival of a patient in cardiac arrest by 7-10%,” Dr Lalita said.
In August last year an Australian tourist happened to be present when a British man suffered a heart incident and collapsed on the street in Patong.
The Australian, who had already learned CPR as part of his job training in Australia, immediately provided assistance, and continued to provide assistance until an EMS team arrived. The British man survived because of the Australian man’s efforts.
However, CPR training might not be enough in all cases, hence the need for people to learn how to use an AED effectively, Dr Lalita noted.
The ‘Heart to Heart’ CPR and AED training is to be conducted by a team of trainers from the BDMS Southern Region Medical Personnel Development Center, who have been certified by the Thai Resuscitation Council, along with personnel accredited by the American Heart Association from the United States bolstered by Thai rescue foundation volunteers.
Two forms of training will be provided. The first group is the government sector, with officials undertaking a three-hour course, including theory and practice.
The second form of training is a more advanced and intensive ‘Train the Trainer’ course over three days, aimed at building a team of instructors to pass on CPR knowledge and skills to the target group and interested citizens.
Those who wish to undertake the training are asked to contact Bangkok Hospital Phuket.