The transformation of the Norman Manley International Airport has made travelling through the vastly renovated and upgraded facility a pleasure and virtually stress free. The surroundings are pleasant and modern and the view of the tarmac from the waiting area is pleasantly distracting.

Already, new tenants are moving into the spacious layout, and this adds to the comfortable seating which is not in short order and is well laid out.

My letter, though, is about the need or the lack of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in our now beautiful and expensively refurbished airport.

AEDs are appearing at most airports all over the world and in areas where the public gathers. They are essential in rendering immediate treatment to cardiac victims on site and can save lives.

I am encouraging the spread and introduction of AED machines at our airports and the training of personnel in the use of the equipment as part of their CPR course, which hopefully, is current and updated regularly.

Life and death

These devices should be located for the public to see, and those familiar with their use can make that difference between life and death. The modern AED will talk the user through the procedure of how to use it when the need does arise and it is simple and straight forward.

I am, etc.,

Dr MICHAEL LEON

silverfox@cwky.blackberry.net

Grand Cayman.