Sicily begins distributing defibrillators to small municipalities

The Sicilian Regional Health Department has launched a distribution plan for 202 semi-automatic external defibrillators (DAE) intended for municipalities with populations under 5,000 inhabitants. The initiative aims to strengthen the emergency-urgency network and reduce response times for cardiac arrests in small towns and remote areas far from major hospitals.

The first phase of deliveries has already reached 54 municipalities within the Palermo and Trapani provinces. Following this initial tranche, the distribution will continue across other territorial basins managed by the 118 emergency service.

Regional Health Councilor Marcello Caruso stated that the measure is designed to increase survival chances by ensuring immediate intervention is possible while waiting for professional medical assistance. To ensure the effectiveness of the devices, the program includes specialized training for non-medical personnel, conducted by staff from the 118 Emergency Operations Centers.