Councillors Luis Aguilar and Inma Mora present one of the new acquisitions. TA

Elche now has 40 solar-powered semi-automatic defibrillators in public spaces

The devices, visible and easy to use, have direct connection with 112 to guide on the manoeuvres to perform during an emergency

S.P.

Elche

Miércoles, 4 de junio 2025, 13:25

Cardioprotection for the public spaces of Elche. The city council aims to protect its citizens by installing 40 solar-powered semi-automatic defibrillators in various public areas of the municipality. According to the Health Councillor, Inma Mora, "these defibrillators have an integrated system that connects directly with 112 to immediately explain the manoeuvres to perform, ensuring their use is as safe as possible."

Twenty of the new solar-powered defibrillators are located in educational centres in the urban area and also in districts such as Torrellano, Valverde, Perleta, La Marina, or Matola, including the Music Conservatory. They are also placed in sports facilities like the Sports City and El Toscar Sports Centre, in gardens and squares, or tourist spots like Plaza de Baix, Municipal Park next to the Paseo de la Estación, or in front of the Altamira Palace.

According to the area councillor, these are autonomous totems that do not require electrical connection and facilitate rapid intervention in case of cardiac arrest by having a defibrillator on the street, as the intervention time to save a victim is crucial.

Higher chances of survival

These devices perform a daily self-check of the defibrillator every 12 hours, including battery capacity, electrode status, and internal circuits. The equipment comes equipped with an intervention kit and a device to assist with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). These devices add to the 75 already available in the municipality.

Thus, the importance of having these devices in public areas has been highlighted, as having a defibrillator can increase the chances of survival from a cardiorespiratory arrest by 70% in the first few minutes. Additionally, annual training courses and talks have been emphasised.

30,000 cardiac arrests a year

In Spain, it is estimated that more than 30,000 cardiac arrests occur each year, equivalent to an average of one cardiac arrest every 20 minutes. Furthermore, over 85% of sudden deaths are of cardiac origin, 90% of which occur outside a healthcare facility, and only 5% survive without sequelae.