On September 14th, the Guangzhou public transportation system rolled out its AED Guardian Program, aimed at boosting emergency rescue capabilities within public transit. The initiative kicked off with 100 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) now installed on various buses traversing the city’s main thoroughfares.
With over 10,000 buses currently on the road in Guangzhou, program leader Wei Lihong shared her vision for the initiative: “The aim of the AED Guardian Program is to harness the extensive reach and mobility of our city’s buses,” Wei noted. “By outfitting each bus with an AED and training volunteer drivers in first aid, we hope to turn every bus into a Mobile ‘Life Rescue Station.’ This strategy will facilitate a ‘Golden Four Minutes’ emergency response system embedded within our public transport network, significantly enhancing the city’s overall emergency response capabilities.”
The first wave of 100 AEDs has been strategically deployed on buses covering routes such as 184, 582, 204, and 273, selected based on factors like passenger volume and service area. Clear markings on the front and back of the buses help passengers easily identify which vehicles are equipped with AEDs.
During the launch event, young volunteers from the Guangzhou Bus Group demonstrated how to use the AEDs and provided emergency training to frontline staff in the public transport sector. Moreover, the Guangzhou “Life Guardian Team” was established to focus on emergency rescue efforts and to promote public awareness regarding sudden medical emergencies among commuters.
To ensure that AEDs are used effectively in critical situations, the organizers collaborated with the Guangzhou Health and Family Planning Commission, the Red Cross, and the local emergency center to conduct thorough training on CPR and AED usage for bus drivers and frontline workers. “All drivers of buses equipped with AEDs have completed training and possess essential first aid skills,” Wei stated.
The AED devices, approximately the size of a backpack and prominently marked in red and white, are placed in easily accessible locations on the buses. In emergencies, citizens can access these devices free of charge, allowing them to provide timely assistance to individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrests.
The initial batch of AEDs and their training resources were donated by Tencent, through the Guangzhou Charity Federation’s “Lighthouse: Love in Transit” charitable fund. Tencent also developed the “Public Transport AED Guardian Program” WeChat mini-program, which provides users with information about the locations of all AED-equipped buses.
Zhang Kaiwen, head of the WeChat payment project for the AED initiative, explained how the program leverages digital tools to advance “digital philanthropy.” Beyond tracking AED locations, generous businesses and individuals can contribute through the mini-program, with all donations earmarked for expanding AED installations on more buses. By engaging in the AED donation initiative, community members become both donors and potential beneficiaries, fostering a spirit of self-help and mutual aid.
Wei Lihong emphasized that moving forward, various stakeholders will work to expand the fleet of AED-equipped vehicles through a blend of corporate donations and public fundraising efforts, gradually rolling out installations on additional bus routes. Furthermore, the team will actively provide first aid training, host educational initiatives, and utilize public transport LED screens to raise awareness, ultimately enhancing the community’s knowledge about emergency rescue.
