The local council in Elche has launched an important health initiative by installing forty semi-automatic defibrillators in solar-powered totems throughout various public spaces. Inma Mora, the health councillor, highlighted that these devices include a direct connection to emergency services, allowing immediate guidance on how to use the defibrillator effectively. This connection is aimed at ensuring the safest use possible during emergencies.

Many of the new solar-powered defibrillators are located at educational institutions within the urban area as well as in surrounding districts like Torrellano, Valverde, Perleta, La Marina, and Matola, including the Conservatory of Music. Additional units can also be found in sports facilities, gardens, and popular tourist spots such as Plaza de Baix and Parque Municipal. Their strategic placement across these settings is crucial for a rapid response in cases of cardiac arrest.

These autonomous devices do not require an electrical connection and are designed for easy public access, significantly improving survival chances in cardiac emergencies. Each defibrillator performs a self-check every twelve hours to monitor battery performance and other crucial functionalities to ensure they are always ready for use.

Luis Aguilar from Almas Industries, the supplier of these devices, expressed gratitude to the Elche council for prioritising heart protection for both residents and visitors. Statistics show that in Spain, there are over thirty thousand cardiac arrests annually, underscoring the urgent need for public access to such life-saving equipment.