A man collapsed and died near the Polytechnic Institute metro station in Kyiv on May 8, prompting concerns over the delayed response to the emergency.
The incident occurred around 5:15 PM near Smart Plaza, where witnesses reported seeing the man unconscious and not breathing. An instructor in first aid, who attempted to assist, described her efforts on social media.
“As a first aid instructor, I know exactly what to do and have no hesitation. I began chest compressions and asked for an AED from the metro station,” she stated.
According to her account, multiple attempts were made to request a defibrillator from metro staff, but initial requests were denied.
“Witnesses went to the metro again, but the station attendant and a police officer refused to provide one. This was all done in raised voices,” she added.
The instructor claims that the defibrillator was only brought to the scene more than 20 minutes later, by which time an ambulance had arrived with its own equipment. Resuscitation efforts continued for over 40 minutes, but ultimately, the man did not survive.
She emphasized that an automated external defibrillator (AED) can significantly increase the chances of survival in the critical moments following cardiac arrest, and that even individuals without medical training can use it effectively.
The media outlet Suspilne has reached out to the Kyiv metro and police for comments regarding the incident.
A man's death near a metro station in Kyiv has raised concerns about the emergency response, particularly the delay in providing a defibrillator. Witnesses reported that despite multiple requests, the device was not made available in a timely manner, contributing to the tragic outcome.