Taizhou in East China's Zhejiang province installed 550 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public areas in 2025, completing its annual target and improving emergency response coverage.

The devices, widely known as lifesaving tools for cardiac arrest, are designed to be used within the critical four-minute window alongside cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), with survival rates reaching up to 90 percent if timely intervention is provided. These installations in public areas aim to reduce response time and make emergency equipment more accessible across both urban and rural areas.

The Jiaojiang district bureau of health identified 86 key locations for deployment through field surveys, focusing on densely populated and high-risk areas such as residential communities, schools, and industrial parks. At least five trained volunteers support each site to ensure the devices can be used effectively in emergencies.

A case last year at Taizhou Sports Center highlighted the importance of rapid access. A runner who suffered cardiac arrest was revived after on-site responders performed CPR and used an AED, restoring his heartbeat within minutes.

Alongside equipment deployment, Taizhou also expanded public first-aid training in 2025, with 455,000 residents receiving basic emergency training and more than 90,000 obtaining certifications, exceeding initial targets by over 300 percent.

This combined approach of expanding equipment and training is building a more efficient and equitable emergency response network, providing critical support for sudden medical incidents.