Lifesaving devices rolled out for people of determination
Initiative to create safe training environment in clubs
The rollout, once fully implemented, will provide the highest level of safety and care for people of determination with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
National Ambulance and Special Olympics UAE have rolled out the Automated External Defibrillators (AED) at clubs and centres for people of determination across the UAE to provide a safe training environment in line with the American Heart Association (AHA) and international safety standards.
The rollout is part of the third phase of the ‘Train Safely’ initiative, which, once fully implemented, will provide the highest level of safety and care for people of determination with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The roll out follows the completion of theoretical and practical Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED training coaches received from National Ambulance, covering all aspects of first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of AED, according to the AHA 2020 guidelines. The installation of the lifesaving devices follows specialised technical training delivered through National Ambulance’s AED Implementation Programme to ensure the coaches can manage and operate these devices in emergency situations such as heart attacks, as use of these devices can increase chances of survival and minimise complications for athletes.
The devices were presented during a ceremony that took place recently at Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in the presence of Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE; Ahmad Al Hajeri, CEO of National Ambulance; Abdulla Al Wheibi, Clubs and Talent Director at Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Dr Ayman Ahmad, chief administrative and medical officer; and Professor Ahed Al Najjar, EMS education and research manager at National Ambulance, as well as Special Olympics UAE coaches and club representatives.