Saving Lives in the Beaches area of Panama

The Rotary Club of Playa Coronado identified a need in the Beaches Area of Panama to provide emergency medical aid that could sustain life in the event of a heart attack, either before the arrival of emergency services and/or whilst the patient is being transported to a hospital. Six automatic defibrillators were purchased. Two options are available, mobile defibrillator units which could be rapidly deployed or diverted to attend case, and fixed defibrillators in permanent locations, accessible 24 hours a day.  For the fixed units, the El Rey supermarket chain agreed to keep one defibrillator at the pharmacy within the store and since the stores are well known, accessible and open 24 hours they offer an ideal location.

Past President Peggy and President Mike at El Rey Coronado

On 25^th September 2017 the pharmacy in El Rey supermarket in El Valle had its wall case delivered by Rotarians providing a permanent home for their defibrillator.

Pharmacy Manager and Store Manager with 5 Rotarians at El Rey, El Valle

The third defibrillator will be installed at the pharmacy at El Rey in Penonomé however this store is not yet open for business.

Training in the use of the defibrillators was provided to the drivers who had the mobile units and to the staff of the pharmacies.  Since the defibrillators are totally automatic (only proving pulses of electricity if needed) their use is straightforward.  Routine maintenance consists of a periodic battery check, again it is automatic, just a quick button press and the unit speaks its health. 

Further training due to staff turnover is being provided when requested. 

Funds to purchase the defibrillators were raised in collaboration with the Rotary Clubs of Calgary, Calgary Chinook and Calgary South together with local donations from Panama Helpline.

This project will be completed when the sixth, final defibrillator is delivered to El Rey, Penonomé.