KOROR, PALAU – Nov. 25, 2025– – The U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Palau, supported by the U.S. Military, delivered 40 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to Belau National Hospital (BNH) and the Bureau of Public Safety’s (BPS) Fire and Rescue Division during a handover ceremony aimed at strengthening the nation’s cardiac emergency response capabilities.
The critical equipment donation was divided, with 20 AED units allocated to BNH to enhance in-hospital critical care and 20 units delivered to the BPS Fire and Rescue Division to bolster pre-hospital, on-scene emergency medical services.
The AEDs were personally delivered to the Belau National Hospital by U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Shanker Rao, U.S. Navy Military Group Chief, Lt. Cmdr. Chris Lelah, and U.S. Army Col. Peter Bermudez.
The lifesaving devices were formally received by Clarette Matlab, Director of Hospital Services for the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MHHS); Arnice Yuji, Director of Health System Administration for MHHS; and Curtis Elobt, Director of Public Safety for the Ministry of Justice (MOJ).
The donation is part of the larger U.S. military-Palau cooperative effort, Koa Moana 25, which has been conducting various engagements throughout the year, including a major donation that took place in June. This sustained partnership highlights the enduring U.S. commitment to Palau’s health and security readiness under the Compact of Free Association (COFA) framework.
The quick availability of AEDs is crucial in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, increasing patient survival rates significantly. Placing the devices directly with first responders and the hospital ensures a comprehensive network of immediate care is available to the public.
“The integration of these 40 AEDs across both our hospital and first responder network significantly elevates our entire system’s readiness,” said MHHS Director of Health System Administration Arnice Yuji. “This equipment is critical to BNH’s capacity to handle acute cardiac events, ensuring that Palau can provide the highest standard of immediate, life-saving care to our citizens.”
The U.S. Embassy emphasized that strengthening Palau’s emergency medical infrastructure remains a high priority for U.S.-Palau cooperation, supporting a safer and more resilient future for the Palauan people.