Abstract
Background: Although approximately 120,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) occur annually in Japan, the rate of favorable neurological outcomes after cardiogenic cardiac arrests witnessed by the public is only 7–8%. There are approximately 600,000 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) deployed nationwide, but the rate of AED use in patients with a publicly witnessed cardiac arrest is as low as 4.9%. Methods: The Kento Heart Safe City Project is designed to increase the rate of AED use, reduce sudden cardiac deaths, and improve the rate of favorable neurological outcomes by using a newly developed emergency call button (SOS button by Philips Japan, Ltd.). This project includes training and properly deploying community first responders and developing an education and rapid notification system in an integrated manner. The SOS button is an Internet of Things (IoT) device and uses the same radio waves as cell phones; pressing the SOS button triggers the communication system. Discussion: Compared to ordinary emergency systems, the SOS button is a unique rescue system based on the premise of voluntary mutual aid. It is necessary to verify how many first responders will respond to SOS requests and how long it will take for responders to arrive at the scene.
