- The idea of such an action seems apt to me. As a doctor who implants pacemakers and cardioverter-defibrillators, I meet patients every day and I am well aware of their problems and pains. Empathy and understanding are really important to them and can help them in their daily lives. As more and more people, including young people, have implanted cardiac devices, it is crucial to raise public awareness of what to do in an emergency situation, such as when a person faints on the street, in a shop or in a park. A quick reaction and contact with emergency services may save his or her life," says Patryk Krzyżak, MD, PhD, from the Cardiac Electrophysiology and Electrotherapy Laboratory at Bielański Hospital in Warsaw, who is involved in the project.

Severe cardiac arrhythmias can also result in sudden cardiac arrest. According to the guidelines of international cardiology societies2 , implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator is one of the most effective methods of preventing the consequences of serious arrhythmias
including cardiac arrest (sudden cardiac death). The devices are implanted for secondary prevention in survivors of sudden cardiac arrest episodes and for primary prevention in patients at risk of such events. Patients suffering from cardiac arrhythmias often complain of: palpitations, a feeling of an uneven or too slow heartbeat. These symptoms are sometimes accompanied by dizziness, fainting and even unconsciousness. The implantation of the device not only does not restrict daily life, but often makes it more comfortable. A person with an implanted cardiac device just has to follow certain rules, including avoiding strong magnetic fields.

- The implanted cardiac device is obviously a lifesaver, but there are times when, through common ignorance, it causes me a bit of trouble. And that's because when passing through the magnetic gate, an alarm goes off because the implant has metal components. Then all the people and security guards look at me with distaste because they think I am a thief. Then I feel discriminated against, the same is true in other places where there are gates, e.g. at airports or in courts," says Darek Woźniak. "I am even afraid to go into a shop to buy groceries, but I have diabetes and sometimes I just need to buy a bar quickly. Therefore, I would like the security guards who see the bracelet on my hand informing me about my implant to treat me in a polite, friendly manner. I am happy to be inspected, but without the tugging and the peculiar atmosphere that often accompanies the intervention of the security services. This is an additional incentive to carry out this action.


Patronage of the action is held by: the Heart Rhythm Section of the Polish Cardiac Society, the Polish Resuscitation Council
The action's partner is: Patient Group with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators and Medtronic Poland.