A new emergency-response initiative at Chennai International Airport aims to improve the chances of survival for passengers and others experiencing sudden cardiac emergencies.
Under the HeartSafe Initiative, Kauvery Hospital and Chennai International Airport have introduced 13 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at strategic locations throughout the airport. The devices can analyse a person’s heart rhythm and deliver an electrical shock when required to help restore a normal rhythm.
The initiative was formally launched in the presence of Raja Kishore, Director, Chennai International Airport, and Dr. Manivannan Selvaraj, Founder and Managing Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, along with senior representatives from the airport and hospital.
24×7 medical support already in place
The AED deployment builds on an existing emergency-care partnership between the airport and Kauvery Hospital. The hospital operates four medical clinics at the airport, covering T1 Arrival, T2 Departure, T2 Security Hold Area (SHA), and T4 Arrival.
These facilities function around the clock and are staffed by a team of 49 healthcare professionals, comprising emergency physicians, nurses, paramedics and support personnel.
Emergency response is also backed by two fully equipped ambulances, with one positioned on the airside and another on the cityside. This arrangement enables medical teams to respond quickly and transfer patients when advanced hospital care is required.
The airport clinics collectively treat an estimated 320-400 patients every month. Individual clinics typically handle between 80 and 100 cases monthly.
The patient mix includes general medical emergencies, walk-in cases, medical incidents involving passengers during flights, and patients who need initial stabilisation before being moved to higher-level healthcare facilities.
Cardiac complaints account for around 5-10 cases each month across the four clinics. Common presentations include chest pain, palpitations and high blood pressure.
Faster intervention during cardiac arrest
The availability of AEDs is particularly significant in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, where the first few minutes can be critical. The devices provide an additional tool for trained responders to begin emergency treatment while professional medical support is being mobilised.
Raja Kishore, Director, Chennai International Airport, said: “Chennai International Airport is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for every passenger, visitor and employee. The installation of the Automated External Defibrillator is an important step towards strengthening our emergency medical preparedness. We appreciate Kauvery Hospital for its continued partnership through the 24×7 airport medical clinics and for extending its expertise to enhance our capability to respond swiftly during medical emergencies. Together, we are creating an airport ecosystem where timely intervention can help save lives.”
Dr. Manivannan Selvaraj, Founder and Managing Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said: “In a sudden cardiac arrest, every minute without treatment reduces the chance of survival. When high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is started immediately and an AED is used within the first few minutes, survival rates improve significantly. Through the HeartSafe Initiative, we have installed 13 AEDs to enable faster life-saving intervention.
However, emergency preparedness is about more than just installing AEDs. It requires the right people, the right training and the right systems. At Chennai International Airport, Kauvery Hospital’s 24×7 emergency clinics are staffed by experienced emergency physicians, skilled nurses and trained paramedics, supported by advanced medical equipment. The addition of AEDs further strengthens our emergency response capability, helping create a safer environment where passengers, visitors and airport personnel can be assured of rapid, life-saving care when every second matters.”
Building awareness alongside equipment
The partnership also highlights the importance of public awareness in responding to cardiac emergencies. Recognising cardiac arrest quickly, starting CPR and using an AED appropriately can help bridge the gap between the onset of an emergency and the arrival of professional medical assistance.
For a facility that handles large numbers of passengers, employees and visitors every day, strengthening the first-response network can add an important layer of safety.
With the HeartSafe Initiative, Chennai International Airport and Kauvery Hospital are combining medical expertise, emergency infrastructure and AED access to improve preparedness for cardiac emergencies. The initiative represents another step towards creating a safer and more responsive airport environment, particularly when immediate action can be critical to saving a life.
(Photo courtesy: instagram/aaichennaiairport)