Santa Cruz Unveils "Cardioprotected Pharmacies" Project

The Santa Cruz City Council today unveiled a new project called "Cardioprotected Pharmacies." This initiative will equip all 84 pharmacies in the municipality with semi-automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) and train their staff to use them. Championed by the Official College of Pharmacists of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the program will receive financial support from the City Council and is set to begin in the coming months.

Key figures at the launch included Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez; Manuel Ángel Galván, president of the Official College of Pharmacists; and Alejandro Toledo, medical deputy director of Primary Care in Tenerife. Implementation will start before the end of this year, with the full rollout expected by the end of 2026.

Also present were councilors Purificación Dávila (Presidency), Carlos Tarife (Health), and Alicia Cebrián (Sports), along with Francisco Miranda, secretary of the College of Pharmacists. David Cañadillas, a nurse and deputy director of the Toscal–Ruiz de Padrón Basic Health Zone, who will oversee the training, also attended.

During the presentation, the Mayor stressed that the initiative aims to create a rapid response network for potential cardiac arrests. He emphasized the value of pharmacies being present in every neighborhood. The Mayor noted the City Council's 100,000-euro contribution. He explained that while this area isn't typically a direct municipal responsibility, the council aims to lead by example, hoping other municipalities will adopt a similar model.

Manuel Ángel Galván, president of the Official College of Pharmacists, highlighted that having AEDs readily available on pharmacy facades, combined with pharmacies' continuous operating hours, makes each location a vital healthcare resource. He stated that over 250 pharmacy professionals will join this network, which will work closely with the 112 emergency service and the Canarian Emergency Service (SUC).

Galván expressed gratitude to the City Council, Primary Care Management of Tenerife, ESSSCAN, the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies, 112 Canarias, and the SUC for their collaboration. He proudly announced that this project will make Santa Cruz the first "cardioprotected" municipality in the Canary Islands.

Alejandro Toledo, medical deputy director of Primary Care, explained that placing defibrillators in pharmacies, especially those open 24 hours, helps strengthen a model of preventive and immediate care.

Purificación Dávila, Councilor for Presidency, mentioned that the plan will start in the city's outer areas before moving inwards, prioritizing locations where emergency access might be more challenging. Carlos Tarife, Councilor for Health, reiterated the importance of early intervention and confirmed that all defibrillators would be installed by the end of 2026.

The General Directorate of Security and Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government, the 112 Emergency and Security Coordinating Center (CECOES), and the SUC are also partners in this project. The network will feature easily accessible AEDs, clear signage, and trained staff, establishing immediate response points in shopping areas, transport hubs, and densely populated neighborhoods.

Purificación Dávila added that in the Anaga Massif, they will work with the District Councilor to identify suitable locations for extra AEDs, even in places without pharmacies.

The City Council also announced future phases of the plan, which will expand the network of "cardioprotected" areas to include sports centers, other municipal buildings, and partner organizations.