Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. led the turnover of 12 automated external defibrillators to various provincial hospitals earlier this week. Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, who also heads the Hospital Management Office, noted, each unit cost P125,000.

“This will enhance the capability of our hospital personnel to save lives, especially during emergency situations,” Banias explained.

According to the Mayo Clinic, these defibrillators are lightweight, portable devices that can be used to revive a patient who is suffering from cardiac arrest, which can be caused by an altered heart rhythm, either ventricular tachycardia, when the heart beats too fast, or ventricular fibrillation, when the heartbeat is irregular.

The devices will likely be provided for ambulances, in order to better equip emergency personnel./PLL, WDJ