Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

[16th Fighter Wing] “Secure a five-minute Golden Time”

The 16th Fighter Wing(FW) recently installed Automated External Defibrillators (AED) at main areas of the post for rapid maneuvers in a case of emergency patients such as those having a sudden heart attack.

The installation places are their main workplaces such as the barracks where soldiers live, aircraft shelter and physical training center. It is the first time to have AED at places except the barracks within the post.

AED is emergency rescue equipment designed to recover heart function by automatically analyzing the patient’s heart condition and conveying an electric shock as necessary when the patient is in cardiac arrest and the oxygen supply is cut off. As it can be handled simply following audio guidance, anyone can use the equipment whenever an emergency situation occurs.

According to the Emergency Medical Service Act, the 16th FW previously equipped AED at the medical squadron and ambulances, which are  obligatory installation, and now, as it put three additional AEDs in major areas, it becomes possible to respond to an emergency patient rapidly.

In addition, it has proceeded to teach cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to operate AED equipment for all soldiers since last year, as well as issued a certificate through practice and assessment after the education to develop the first aid ability of soldiers. There are various programs such as Korean Association of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation(KACPR) education prepared for this year as well, to keep boosting interest in first aid among soldiers.

“We continue to provide soldiers with first aid education to make the best use of AED,” said Major Kim Seung-Gyun, medical squadron commander of the 16th FW.

By Seung-Bok, Lee < yhs920@dema.mil.kr >
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