Convenience Store Becomes Local Safety Guardian... Installing AEDs and Protecting Children

Strengthening Safety Training for Store Owners After AED Installation
Leveraging Convenience Store Features with Excellent Accessibility

AED-installed CU store. (Photo by BGF Retail)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Following the Itaewon tragedy, the convenience store industry has stepped up as local safety guardians. Leveraging their presence in every neighborhood and 24-hour operation, they have begun focusing on daily safety by installing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and conducting safety education.

According to the industry on the 24th, CU plans to install AEDs in over 16,000 stores nationwide. After signing an agreement on the 20th, about 10 stores, mainly directly managed ones, have completed AED installation so far. CU has established its own installation standards, will accept applications from store owners, and plans to supply AEDs of appropriate size and type to stores nationwide. They have also equipped mobile convenience stores that can be dispatched to disaster sites to supply essential goods to people.

GS25 signed a business agreement earlier this month with the Yeongnam Headquarters and Busan City to expand AED installation and first aid training. One test store per district in Busan Metropolitan City has been selected to trial a total of 16 AEDs, with 13 stores having completed installation so far. GS25 provided training on AED use and emergency response to store owners and employees, and plans to conduct retraining every two months.

Seven Eleven is currently reviewing a safety education campaign. To protect community safety, Seven Eleven is focusing on a child abuse prevention campaign, with 2,000 stores currently broadcasting child abuse prevention videos through digital signage.

Emart24, following the tragedy, sent emails to internal employees about fire prevention and responding to safety accidents, and enabled on-site checks for potential hazards.

Experts responded positively to these changes. Professor Lee Eunhee of Inha University’s Department of Consumer Studies said, "Convenience stores are transforming from simple product sellers into providers of comprehensive services. If they leverage this characteristic to take the lead in accident response and prevention, it will greatly benefit the local community. This is a positive change."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.