FPT Accompanies the First Public Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Deployment Project in Vietnam

On September 19, FPT Corporation and Hanoi Medical University Hospital announced their collaboration to implement the first public Automated External Defibrillator (AED) deployment project in Vietnam. The project aims to raise awareness, improve first-aid skills, and provide additional emergency equipment to enhance the effectiveness of initial emergency response in communities, particularly in cases of cardiac arrest occurring outside of medical facilities.

Every year, approximately 200,000 people in Vietnam die from cardiovascular-related diseases, accounting for about one-third of total deaths nationwide. This is an alarming figure, especially given the limitations of out-of-hospital emergency care. According to survey data, the mortality rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients is extremely high, reaching up to 96.7%. Only 8.7% of patients receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the scene. Notably, the percentage of people who are aware of CPR is also very low, at only 8.7%, a figure significantly lower than in other countries such as the UK (70%), Singapore (56.2%), and Thailand (40.4%).

The AED device plays an extremely important role. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that the survival rate can reach up to 74% if a patient receives an electric shock with an AED within the first three minutes after cardiac arrest. However, in Vietnam, awareness of this device remains limited, and in most out-of-hospital cardiac deaths, victims rarely receive AED intervention at the scene.

As part of the collaboration, FPT Corporation will sponsor Hanoi Medical University Hospital with VND 2 billion to implement the project. During the pilot phase, the AEDs are expected to be installed at commune and ward-level medical stations in Da Nang City – one of the country’s top tourist destinations, with more than 2.53 million overnight visitors in Q1/2025 (up 19.2% year-on-year). Despite its strong tourism profile, after merging certain areas of Quang Nam, Da Nang still has “white zones” in emergency healthcare, as many local medical stations lack modern defibrillators and have not received specialized training in cardiac arrest resuscitation. Therefore, the installation of AEDs at the grassroots level and in public spaces is essential to improve emergency response capabilities and ensure safety for both residents and visitors.

FPT Corporation grants Hanoi Medical University Hospital VND 2 billion to support the public AED project

Speaking at the announcement ceremony, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Lan Hieu – Director of Hanoi Medical University Hospital – shared that the idea of equipping communities with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) had been on his mind for many years, after witnessing the widespread adoption of such devices in public places in developed countries. According to him, AEDs not only save lives but also create a sense of safety and trust for both residents and tourists. He shared: “During a business trip to Da Nang, what surprised me was that even local healthcare workers at commune-level medical stations had never used an AED. We can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world in advanced medical techniques, yet we lack the most basic skills and equipment to protect human lives. Thanks to the support of FPT Chairman Truong Gia Binh, this project has now been launched with Da Nang as the first pilot location.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hieu noted that the implementation team will closely follow the project, provide training, and supervise the use of AED devices. He also expressed his hope that, with the cooperation of businesses and communities, the model would be expanded to other localities, contributing to building a more civilized and safer living environment.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Lan Hieu – Director of Hanoi Medical University Hospital speaking at the event.

Representing the corporate partner, Mr. Truong Gia Binh – Chairman of the Board of Directors of FPT Corporation – shared that the event took place at a meaningful time, just after the Politburo issued Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW on strengthening the protection, care, and improvement of people’s health. He emphasized that this is a particularly important resolution, as health must always come first in the happiness of every person.

“As the proverb says: ‘Building nine pagodas is not as virtuous as saving one life.’ The AED is a practical means to help make that possible,” he said. Based on the proposal from Professor Dr. Nguyen Lan Hieu, FPT Corporation decided to immediately join the project, considering it a first step toward contributing to a more civilized and safer society, where people can have greater trust in community healthcare initiatives.

Mr. Truong Gia Binh – Chairman of the Board of Directors of FPT Corporation speaking.

Along with installing the devices, the project is expected to be implemented following a structured roadmap: the Da Nang Department of Health will survey local facilities and compile a list of medical centers and stations in the city; determine AED installation sites in each phase; and establish a core team of 1–2 volunteer healthcare workers at each station. After receiving first-aid training, these volunteers will manage and guide AED use while supporting first-aid knowledge sharing at local healthcare stations. The project will also coordinate in training key personnel and organizing community first-aid classes, integrating educational and awareness campaigns to teach basic first-aid skills directly at AED installation points.

AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a compact electrical device that delivers controlled shocks to stop certain abnormal heart rhythms in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. When activated, the device provides step-by-step visual and voice instructions in Vietnamese, automatically analyzes the patient’s heart rhythm, and only delivers shocks when medically appropriate (e.g., ventricular fibrillation). Notably, the system records operational data, heart rhythms, and audio signals during resuscitation, providing professional and legal transparency while helping bystanders feel more confident in saving lives.

AED device image

The deployment of AEDs for public use in Da Nang represents a model that integrates healthcare – government – business – and community collaboration. With the joint efforts of all stakeholders, the project aims to increase survival opportunities for sudden cardiac arrest cases and promote a culture of learning basic first-aid skills as essential civic knowledge.