Through a partnership involving the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, the YMCA of the Cayman Islands, LifeLine and the generosity of an anonymous donor, an Automated External Defibrillator has now been provided to Parliament.
Once installed, the device will be registered with LifeLine – the local not-for-profit organisation that improves access to Automated External Defibrillators – as part of the national network of publicly accessible AEDs. Training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), AED use and basic first aid will also be provided for parliamentary staff and any Members of Parliament who wish to participate.
The Ministry of Health,’s work to address non-communicable diseases includes promoting healthier lifestyles through initiatives such as the national ‘Movement Challenge’ and preparing for the implementation of the ‘HEARTS Initiative’, a World Health Organisation programme aimed at improving the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.
Ebanks-Wilks said the initiative reflects government’s commitment to both prevention and preparedness. “Prevention is at the heart of this Ministry’s approach to improving the health of our population through initiatives such as the Movement Challenge and the upcoming implementation of the HEARTS programme. While it is vital for our Government to lead by example, the responsibility for creating a healthier and safer Cayman Islands rests with us all.”
Working together to save lives
Speaker of Parliament D. Ezzard Miller welcomed the initiative and thanked the partners who helped bring the life-saving equipment to the House of Parliament. “Parliament is a place where elected representatives, staff and members of the public come together in service of our country. Having an Automated External Defibrillator available and ensuring those who work here are trained to respond in an emergency, is a practical step that strengthens the safety and preparedness of this institution.”
Gabriela Reyes, human resource manager for the YMCA of the Cayman Islands, said the initiative demonstrates the impact of community partnerships. “We are grateful to the anonymous donor whose generosity made this possible and pleased to support this effort alongside the Ministry and LifeLine. Equipping people with life-saving skills and ensuring AEDs are accessible are important steps in building a safer and more prepared Cayman Islands. Through CPR, AED and first aid training, we are helping more people develop the skills and confidence to respond when emergencies occur.”
LifeLine founder and director, Christina Kish, said adding Parliament’s AED to the LifeLine National AED Database will strengthen the community’s emergency response capacity.
“Every registered AED expands the network of life-saving equipment available across the Cayman Islands. Through regular inspections and AED mapping, we help ensure these devices remain rescue-ready and can be quickly located when every second counts. Combined with CPR training and public awareness, AEDs significantly improve the chances of survival following sudden cardiac arrest.”
Training sessions will be arranged in the coming weeks for parliamentary staff and interested Members of Parliament. The ministry is encouraging workplaces and organisations throughout the Cayman Islands to consider CPR training and access to AEDs as part of their emergency preparedness plans.
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