Installation of Automated External Defibrillators

Reinforcing its commitment to public health and emergency preparedness, Kauvery Hospital and Chennai Airport jointly inaugurated the HeartSafe Initiative, installing 13 Automated External Defibrillators (AED) at Chennai International Airport, enhancing the airport's capability to respond swiftly to sudden cardiac emergencies. The initiative was inaugurated in the presence of Mr. Raja Kishore, Director, Chennai International Airport, and Dr. Manivannan S, Founder and Managing Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, along with senior officials from the airport and Kauvery Hospital. Kauvery Hospital has been operating a 24x7 emergency medical services at Chennai International Airport, comprising four clinics strategically located across T1 Arrival, T2 Departure, T2 Security Hold Area (SHA), and T4 Arrival. Staffed by a dedicated team of 49 healthcare professionals—including emergency physicians, nurses, paramedics and support staff, the clinics provide prompt medical assessment, stabilisation and emergency care for passengers, airport personnel, airline crew and visitors. Each clinic manages approximately 80–100 cases per month, collectively handling an estimated 320–400 patient encounters monthly. These include emergency cases, onboard medical emergencies, walk-in consultations and patients requiring stabilisation and transfer to higher centres. Among these, the clinics attend to an average of 5–10 cardiac-related cases every month, most commonly presenting with chest pain, palpitations and high blood pressure, highlighting the critical need for rapid cardiac response capabilities within the airport environment. The clinics are supported by two fully equipped ambulances positioned at the runway and cityside, ensuring rapid response and patient transfer when needed. The addition of AEDs further strengthens this robust emergency care ecosystem, ensuring that life-saving intervention is available within the critical first few minutes of a cardiac arrest. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of unexpected death worldwide. It occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively, causing an immediate loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. Without prompt intervention, survival decreases by approximately 7–10% with every passing minute. However, when high-quality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is initiated immediately and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used within the first few minutes, survival rates can increase significantly. An AED is a portable, easy-to-use device that analyses the heart's rhythm and, when necessary, delivers a controlled electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat. Designed for use by both trained responders and members of the public, AEDs provide clear voice-guided instructions, making them invaluable in public spaces such as airports where every second can make the difference between life and death. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Raja Kishore, Director, Chennai International Airport, said: "Chennai International Airport is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for every passenger, visitor and employee. The installation of the Automated External Defibrillator is an important step towards strengthening our emergency medical preparedness. We appreciate Kauvery Hospital for its continued partnership through the 24x7 airport medical clinics and for extending its expertise to enhance our capability to respond swiftly during medical emergencies. Together, we are creating an airport ecosystem where timely intervention can help save lives." Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Manivannan S, Founder and Managing Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said: "In a sudden cardiac arrest, every minute without treatment reduces the chance of survival. That is why emergency preparedness is about much more than installing an AED—it is about having the right people, the right training and the right systems in place. At Chennai International Airport, Kauvery Hospital’s 24x7 emergency clinics are equipped with advanced medical equipment and supported by experienced emergency physicians, skilled nurses and trained paramedics who can respond immediately. The addition of AEDs further strengthens our emergency response capability, enabling timely defibrillation alongside expert medical care. Together with the airport authorities, we are building a safer environment where passengers, visitors and airport personnel can be assured of rapid, life-saving intervention when every second matters." The installation of the AED reflects the shared commitment of Chennai International Airport and Kauvery Hospital to creating a safer environment for millions of passengers, employees and visitors who pass through the airport each year. Beyond providing immediate access to advanced emergency equipment, the initiative also underscores the importance of increasing public awareness about recognising cardiac arrest, performing CPR and using an AED until professional medical help arrives.