Cardioprotection in the metro network

The installation of defibrillators in the metro network was done progressively until it reached a 100% cardioprotected network.

In August 2014, TMB joined the ‘Barcelona, cardioprotected city’ programme, promoted by the Barcelona Health Association and the Brugada Foundation, in collaboration with the Catalan Ministry of Health, Barcelona City Council, SEM (Medical Emergency Services) and the Pharmacies Association, with sponsorship from FIATC Insurances and Philips. As a result of the agreement, four of the most frequented metro stations were equipped with semi-automatic defibrillators.

The semi-automatic desfibrillators were progressively installed by phases. In July 2021, the 24 busiest network interchanges, which allow passengers to switch from and to other rail transport, were cardioprotected. On November 2021, there were 47 cardioprotected stations and the metro L2 was fully cardioprotected. At the beginning of 2022, the metro network was fully cardioprotected.

How defibrillators are used

These devices are automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), which diagnose and treat cardiorespiratory arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia without a pulse, and can be used by anyone even if they have no health knowledge.

The defibrillators are inside a signposted transparent box, in the central area of the platforms and next to the intercom. They are simple devices, suitable for anyone with no health knowledge. If a passenger is suspected of suffering a cardiac arrest, the first thing to do is press the SOS button of the intercom next to the box containing the defibrillator. The Metro Control Centre then notifies the emergency centre so that medical services can go to the station. Next take out the defibrillator and follow the instructions. The device analyses the patient’s condition and applies an electric shock to restore the heart rate.

Quick action, within 10 minutes of the heart attack

TMB works to prevent sudden deaths from heart failure.

Cardiovascular diseases cause 30% of total mortality in the world and constitute a major public health problem, with an impact on people of any age and condition. Apart from the prevention and dissemination of healthy habits, an effective way of avoiding this is to disseminate defibrillators that can be used within 10 minutes of the heart attack, which are decisive.