The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) and the Philippine College of Cardiology support Senate Bill 2474. This bill aims to make Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) more accessible in public places. This bill is also known as the AED Bill. It has been in the works for eight years. Now, it is in its third reading.
Proponents of the bill think AEDs can significantly increase survival rates. They also emphasize the importance of CPR training, which is mandated by a separate law. Both can help people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
During a recent “PHA Usapang Puso sa Puso (Heart to Heart Talk)” media forum, speakers highlighted the urgency of the bill. They emphasized its importance. This event took place at the 54th Annual Convention and Scientific Meeting. It was held at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City on 28 May 2024. The PHA organized this significant gathering. Representative Anthony Golez Jr., who expressed his full support for the bill with Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. He suggested that an Executive Order from the President ease the availability of AEDs in public areas. This would occur while the bill awaits legislation.
Rep. Golez Jr. said, “CPR is something close to my heart. Years ago, when I was a young doctor, I performed CPR on a pregnant woman. She gave birth prematurely on the plane that I was riding. Knowing your program and your group, I am going back to this advocacy.”
The PHA’s CPR-Ready and CPR on Wheels & Wings initiatives are making a significant impact. They are transforming tourist hotspots and strategic locations into heart-health emergency-ready zones. These campaigns have trained over 2 million Filipinos, including students and bystanders, in basic life-saving skills like hands-on CPR.
The ultimate goal is to equip public spaces with AEDs. We aim to train the public in their proper use. This will create a nationwide network of life-saving resources.
