The Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, has presented the project that will equip all 2,200 EMT buses with defibrillators. The initiative aims to provide cardiac protection for both passengers and pedestrians, extending coverage to all city neighborhoods. The goal is to create "the best health conditions" for Madrid, utilizing cutting-edge technology from a Spanish manufacturer.
EMT drivers will receive specific training for the use of these devices, which are easy to operate and feature clear audio instructions. The mayor emphasized the importance of this measure to "save lives" and the devices' user-friendliness in emergencies.
The supply, installation, and maintenance contract was awarded to Bexen Cardio, a Spanish company with 45 years of experience, for 2.9 million euros (excluding VAT) under a five-year rental and maintenance agreement. The entire EMT Madrid fleet will be cardiac-safe, and buses will display a distinctive sticker to inform users.
The installation of the defibrillators, model Reanibex 100, began in July. These devices feature geolocation and CPR support systems with real-time feedback. When removed from their location, they automatically activate a call to 112 and send a location alert.
EMT Madrid already has a precedent in cardiac protection, having installed defibrillators on 176 buses in 2021 as part of the Cardiomad project, a joint initiative by the City Council, SAMUR-Civil Protection, Municipal Police, and the Forum of Companies for Madrid.
