The machines are automated external defibrillators or AEDs, which are found in many other airports and have also debuted in some shopping malls here for use by members of the public.

A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) confirmed that tenders have been called for consultants to submit proposals for an AED programme at the airport.

The tender documents say that, apart from providing the defibrillators costing between $2,000 and $3,000 each, the CAAS will train its staff and those of other agencies operating at the airport in the use of the device.

Simulation exercises will be run. Medical experts say, though, that even those who are untrained can use the device. The machine automatically analyses heart rhythms; its voice prompts will tell the user what to do next, or how many times electric shocks should be applied to the victim.

Read the full story in today's edition of The Straits Times.