Spotlighting AEDs on Heart Safe City Day

The photo shows an AED sign at the entrance to a building in Japan. These signs appear to be standardized nationwide, featuring a red heart crossed by a bright yellow lightning bolt. The sign indicates that the premises are equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a device used to help people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

Today, September 29th is recognized as Heart Safe City Day in Japan. It is a commemorative day established by Philips Japan in support of creating safer communities for people experiencing cardiac emergencies. The date was chosen to coincide with World Heart Day, an international awareness campaign. 

A key focus of the program is AED. The initiative promotes three main actions: appropriate placement of AEDs, training more first responders who can quickly use the devices, and building effective support systems with local governments and municipalities.

What surprised and impressed me after moving to Japan was just how widespread AEDs are. They can be found in a wide range of locations, from train stations and schools to shopping centers and community facilities, making them readily accessible in many public spaces. 

The only thing is that I don't know how many people are trained to use them. I know my son can, because he was taught in school in Ireland, but I don't know of a similar program in Japan. Have you ever heard of AED training in Japan? And would you know how to use one in an emergency?