Yerevan becomes a “Heart Safe City”
Yerevan has signed an agreement to become a “Heart Safe City”․ The initiative aims to improve emergency medical response and increase the chances of survival from sudden cardiac arrest. It will also include educational programs focused on raising awareness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and providing accessible training courses for volunteers. During the 4-hour courses, qualified professionals will teach volunteers first aid skills and how to use essential equipment.
Automated external defibrillators and other technologies will be installed in the central part of Yerevan. The program could raise the current survival rate from 5% to an expected 30% or higher.
This project will not only strengthen the city’s medical response infrastructure but also enhance the connection between citizens and the community. It positions Yerevan as a city of global health security, demonstrating our commitment to innovation and community well-being, said Deputy Mayor Sargis Madatyan.
The initiative is carried out in cooperation with the “HENAR” and “Philips” foundations, as well as with support from the Ministries of Health and Internal Affairs, the Armenian Association of Cardiologists, and the Emergency Medical Service.
In the region, Armenia is the only country participating in the initiative. The program has already been implemented in Brazil (São Paulo, Aracaju, Patos), Senegal (Dakar), Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar), Rwanda (Kigali), Australia (Melbourne), and Qatar (Doha).