Working Towards A Heart-Safe Singapore
Stormy weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm of approximately 300 general practitioners who thronged the College of Medicine Auditorium on 7 Jan 2006 . The seminar on Cardiac Arrest Management, helmed by Prof. V. Anantharaman (Chairman, Division of Ambulatory & Clinical Support Services, Singapore General Hospital (SGH)), was part of a launch campaign for Heart Safe Singapore – a joint initiative by the Ministry of Health, Singapore Medical Association (SMA) and local emergency medicine specialists, which aims to strengthen the Chain of Survival, focusing primarily on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Following addresses by guest-of-honour Director of Medical Services Prof. K. Satku and SMA President Dr. Lee Pheng Soon, cardiac arrest management updates were presented by Dr. Marcus Ong and Clinical Associate Professor Lim Swee Han (Consultant and Head Of Department respectively, SGH Department of Emergency Medicine).
Dr. Ong's segment was especially sobering, as statistics collected from an ongoing CARE (Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation Epidemiology in Singapore) study revealed an alarmingly low rate of bystander CPR and marked delays in activation of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system. Combined with the lack of early defibrillation (optimally effective if performed within 4 minutes from onset of ventricular defibrillation (VF)), the result is a dismal survival rate for local cardiac arrest victims (i.e. only 2%) compared to 20% for certain North American states. With these factors emphasized, A/Prof. Lim and Prof. Anantharaman went into the theoretical aspects of CPR and AED use, before participants received hands-on practice via demonstrations by experienced instructors.
The seminar concluded with a stimulating panel discussion, where concerns were debated and addressed. It was evident that while many family physicians are keen to play their part in strengthening the Chain of Survival, a number of key areas still require further consideration (refer to Q&A interview). However, organizers remain optimistic that this initiative's goals can be achieved, and will continue to rally both fellow doctors and members of the public to help make a “heart-safe Singapore ” a brilliant reality.