Minister of Health, Environment and Sustainability Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks identified the absence of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at the House of Parliament and initiated efforts to ensure the country's legislature was equipped with this critical piece of emergency equipment.
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 AED has now been delivered to Parliament. Once installed, the device will be registered with Lifeline as part of the national network of publicly accessible AEDs. Training in 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'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.
Minister 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.”
“It is essential that as leaders, we are trained in CPR and familiar with using AEDs and I also encourage everyone to consider getting trained. By downloading the LifeLine app you increase the chances of saving lives by easily locating the nearest registered AED in case of an emergency. These simple actions could ultimately help save someone’s life”
Speaker of Parliament Hon. 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. I thank the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, the YMCA of the Cayman Islands, Lifeline and the anonymous donor for their partnership and commitment to protecting lives. This initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when Government and the community work together in the public interest."
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."
Christina Kish, Founder and Director of Lifeline, 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. We are pleased to partner with the Ministry and the YMCA to help make Parliament and the wider community safer."
Training sessions will be arranged in the coming weeks for parliamentary staff and interested Members of Parliament. The Ministry encourages workplaces and organisations throughout the Cayman Islands to consider CPR training and access to AEDs as part of their emergency preparedness plans.