AEDs used for more scenarios including sports venues. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The Red Cross Society of Haimen district, Nantong recently installed 10 automated external defibrillators (AED) in 10 public areas across the district.

The AEDs were installed at the district's administrative office building and bureau of administrative services, Haimen Secondary Vocational School, Dongzhou Park, Auchan supermarket, Jiangsu Jianghai Museum, Wenfeng Great World, Longxin Plaza, Haimen Bus Terminal, and Haimen Railway Station.

An AED is a portable device that can recognize an abnormal heart rhythm and quickly help reestablish normal rhythms through an electrical shock.

The devices are regarded as a more efficient and effective way to save lives than cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an emergency. People without professional medical backgrounds can learn how to use an AED after just a bit of training.

According to Zhong Zhihao, an officer with the local Red Cross society, well-trained employees have been dispatched to each site to ensure that the AED can effectively save lives in an emergency.

"The AED also has voice prompts, allowing people with basic rescue skills to use it properly, thereby increasing the success rate of rescues," said Zhong.

In the future, AEDs will be available in more public spaces across the district. The Red Cross society will also organize professional training sessions at local companies, schools, and communities. Videos on how to use AEDs will be available on the society's WeChat account as well.