The Hong Kong Red Cross has been advocating to the public that when encountering cases of sudden cardiac arrest, early utilization of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can save lives, harnessing the "power of bystanders" and embodying the spirit of humanity.

Why is it so important to use AED early to harness the power of bystanders? 

The success rate of defibrillation decreases by 7-10% per minute when using an AED.		When the brain is deprived of oxygen for more than 4 minutes, it results in permanent damage.		Ambulances in Hong Kong can only guarantee arrival at the scene within 12 minutes after receiving an emergency rescue call.

Sai Kung AED Mascot Design Activity 

Since 2022, the Hong Kong Red Cross has collaborated with the Caritas Sai Kung Community Development Project and the Sai Kung District Community Centre to install AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) in ten rural areas of Sai Kung. We have also organized lectures and workshops in various villages to promote the use of AEDs. Recently, we installed AEDs in ten villages in the Sai Kung area with local organizations. In Ho Chung Village, there was a resident suddenly fell unconscious. The villagers immediately used the AED to assist in saving lives, demonstrating the community's self-help capabilities. 

To increase public awareness of AEDs, this year we partnered with second-year students from the Hong Kong Design Institute to create four "AED mascots": "Hoi Bao", "Uncle Oyster", "Tin Yau", "Fish Heart". Each mascot reflects the cultural characteristics of Sai Kung's villages and features designs representing AEDs, such as "lightning" and "heart" patterns. This symbolizes their important role in spreading AED information and emergency preparedness messages throughout the Sai Kung community!
 

Exploring the Journey of AED Design  

Before officially designing the AED mascot, students from the Hong Kong Design Institute arranged in-depth discussions with villagers to learn about the history and anecdotes of Sai Kung village. After their conversations, the students discovered that the rural areas were dispersed, making timely rescue difficult. They thus recognized the importance of first aid knowledge and equipment for the villagers.

During the results sharing session, the students showcased the mascots they designed and shared their experiences and challenges throughout the design process. They mentioned that they spent a considerable amount of time integrating the functions of the AED with the mascot's image and ensuring that the design resonated with the villagers.

The villagers also acknowledged the students' efforts and contributions, believing that such activities not only enhance community safety awareness but also demonstrate the new generation's care for the community. This collaboration not only improved the students' practical skills but also strengthened community cohesion.

Introduction to the AED Mascot
 

The mascots represent 4 differ

ent areas of Sai Kung with unique Sai Kung rural cultural characteristics. They will help promote AED and emergency preparedness to every corner in Sai Kung!  Let’s check out the 4 mascots!

"Hoi Bao" represents Sai Kung Tui Min Hoi: A young fisherman, always sing fishing songs while rowing a boat, whose mission is to pass on the culture of Sai Kung fishermen
"Uncle Oyster" represents Ho Chung Village: Worships the mighty deeds of the Tai Shing, loves to be a knight-errant
"Tin Yau" represents Pak Kong Village: Gentle and graceful, fascinated by the stories of the Tin Hau Goddess 
"Fish Heart" represents Sai Kung Town center: A transformed, blue-scaled fish, lively in nature, loves to jump towards the light