In first week of January, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane had stated that it would be made compulsory for housing societies with 25 and more units and commercial complexes to have automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) and advanced paramedics. An AED produces electric current in a person who suffers a heart attack and brings back the normal heartbeat. The societies need to provide a room for the AED and appoint paramedics who would be present round the clock. A notification was to be issued by the Health and Town and Country Planning departments that occupancy certificate will be held back till the above two conditions are fulfilled. Last week the Goa Public Health Act was amended and it is now compulsory for societies with over 50 units to install AED in easily located space (TGE Dec 21). The Cardiac Standard Operating Procedures outlining step-by-step guidance to address cardiac emergencies is to be displayed. At least 25% of the residents need to undergo certified basic first responder life-saving skills training. The suggestion to keep AEDs in housing complexes is praiseworthy but there are some drawbacks. Cases of doctors being beaten inspite of their best efforts may make residents reluctant to volunteer.
