CITIZENS have recently noticed the presence of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in some taxis.

Shenzhen is making efforts in building a mobile emergency rescue system that could provide assistance within a five-minute response time during emergencies. Teaming up with Tencent, Shenzhen Bus Group is equipping 500 taxis with AEDs, and as of Nov. 14, nearly 500 drivers had finished first-aid training.

To push forward the completion of this system, the bus group is planning to establish a life-saving volunteer group consisting of 15,000 taxi and bus drivers who could take turns serving citizens 24 hours a day.

According to Yang Duanwu, deputy manager of the security guard department at Shenzhen Bus Group, 500 taxi drivers have already undergone first-aid training to handle emergency situations.

In instances where a passenger falls ill, these drivers are trained to promptly pull over and inquire whether there are any medical professionals on board. They are also taught to collect basic information about the patient and their companions, and send them to the nearest hospital or medical institution.

For passengers experiencing cardiopulmonary arrest, the drivers who have received first-aid training will head to the nearest location with an AED installed and conduct cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.

How to identify a taxi equipped with an AED? Yang suggested looking for special signs attached to the taxi’s engine hood or trunk that indicate it is equipped with an AED. Discussions are also under way to add an additional AED sign on the taxis’ roof lights. These efforts aim to make it easy for citizens to spot and utilize AEDs swiftly, thereby providing life-saving interventions.

AEDs can diagnose arrhythmias and administer electric shocks through defibrillation. These portable medical devices enable ordinary individuals to help save the lives of those experiencing cardiac arrest.

(Chen Siqi)