Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death among adults in the local population. To enhance awareness of heart safety and strengthen precautionary measures, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has donated HK$18.2 million to the Hong Kong College of Cardiology (HKCC) to help save lives at schools. The Project, supported by the Education Bureau and the Department of Health, will involve installing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in 1,100 local schools, and provide training to teachers on using the AED and how to conduct cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Today (13 May), Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson joined Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man, HKCC President Dr Chris Wong and President-Elect Dr Chan Kam-tim to launch the Jockey Club “Heart-safe School” Project.
Mr Stevenson said the Charities Trust was delighted to support such a project that provided not only defibrillators and related training, but also covered educational programmes to help students appreciate the importance of maintaining good heart health. Students and teachers citywide are expected to benefit.
Dr Ko noted the government always held citizens’ health in high regard, especially students’ health. The Project aims to enhance students’ awareness of heart safety and strengthen precautionary measures, so as to make schools a “heart-safe” place.
Under the expert direction of the HKCC, the Jockey Club “Heart-safe School” Project will run for three years up to August 2015. An AED will be installed in each of the 1,100 local primary, secondary and special education schools in three phases. Each school can nominate up to 10 teachers or staff members to take part in the training on using the AED and conducting CPR. Seminars on heart safety will also be held. More than 300 schools have participated in the first phase of the Project.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world's leading horse racing organisations but also a world top 15 charitable organisation and Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.7 billion in 2012. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$16 billion a year for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious, with more than 23,000 members. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.
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Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson says apart from installing defibrillators in schools, the Club donation also covers educational programmes to help students appreciate the importance of maintaining good heart health.
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Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson (2nd right), Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man (centre), Hong Kong College of Cardiology President Dr Chris Wong (2nd left) and President-Elect Dr Chan Kam-tim (1st left) and Tam Koon-che (1st right), Principal Education Officer (Curriculum Development) of the Education Bureau, officiate at the launching ceremony of the Jockey Club a£į?Heart-safe Schoola£į? Project.
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Shaukiwan Tsung Tsin School teachers Kwan Tong-yu (left) and Alex Chan share their experience of learning how to use defibrillators. Kwan says the AED is easy to operate, while Chan thinks the a£į?Heart-safe Schoola£į? Project can increase public awareness in cardiac arrest.
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Photos 4/5:
Hong Kong College of Cardiology fellow Dr Kathy Lee demonstrates how to use the defibrillator.
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(From right) Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson, Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man and Deputy Director of Hong Kong St. John Ambulance Dr David Lee officiate at the launching ceremony of the Jockey Club a£į?Heart-safe Schoola£į? Project.
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(From left) Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson, Hong Kong College of Cardiology Past President Dr Patrick Ko and President-Elect Dr Chan Kam-tim officiate at the launch ceremony of the Jockey Club a£į?Heart-safe Schoola£į? Project.
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