[Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture] A New Initiative for 'Women-Friendly AED Use': Sompo Japan Insurance Inc. Donates 'Privacy Protection Bandanas'

Scene from the donation ceremony (Left: Makoto Ueda, Ehime Branch Manager; Right: Kuninori Takechi, Mayor of Iyo City)

Sompo Japan Insurance Inc. (hereinafter, Sompo Japan), which has a comprehensive partnership agreement with Iyo City, donated 'Privacy Protection Bandanas' as part of a new initiative for 'women-friendly AED use.' The donation ceremony was held on May 29, 2026.

This donation of bandanas for women-friendly AED use is the first such initiative for Sompo Japan nationwide.

The donated privacy protection bandanas will be deployed to 78 AED units at 64 locations within the city. Additionally, the city will promote how to use them in first aid training sessions, aiming to realize a community where everyone can perform emergency lifesaving activities without hesitation.

Privacy Protection Bandana and Instruction Manual

Realizing a Community Where Everyone Can Perform Emergency Lifesaving Without Hesitation

In Japan, many people lose their lives to sudden cardiac arrest every day. It is said that for every minute the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is delayed, the survival rate decreases by 10%.

AED use has been permitted for the general public, not just medical professionals, since July 2004. However, according to a report published in May 2019 by a research group including Kyoto University, a study of 232 children who suffered cardiac arrest on school grounds nationwide examined whether AED pads were applied before the arrival of emergency services. The results showed no significant gender difference among elementary and junior high school students, but a large gender gap appeared among high school students. It is analyzed that this disparity may be due to reluctance to remove a woman's clothing.

Thus, the psychological resistance to 'removing clothing' is a major barrier to lifesaving efforts. By deploying the donated 'Privacy Protection Bandanas' alongside AEDs, the initiative aims to establish a rescue environment that considers women's physical exposure.

Sompo Japan Insurance Inc.

The SOMPO Group aims for a future where individuals and corporations can move toward their desired state, anytime, without being threatened by risk, a future filled with prosperity and smiles.

Within this context, this donation of bandanas for women-friendly AED use is a first-of-its-kind initiative for Sompo Japan Insurance Inc. The company intends to continue working together with communities to solve local issues, just like this initiative.

Makoto Ueda, Ehime Branch Manager

Kuninori Takechi, Mayor

Iyo City

Psychological resistance to 'removing clothing' during lifesaving is a major barrier. Utilizing the privacy protection bandanas donated by Sompo Japan is a groundbreaking step that balances rapid lifesaving with protecting the dignity of all citizens, especially women. We will equip the AEDs in city facilities with these items and strive to make Iyo City a safe and secure place where everyone can live with peace of mind.

Sompo Japan Insurance Inc.

As a member of the SOMPO Group, Sompo Japan upholds the purpose of 'Towards a future filled with “Security, Safety, and Health.”' It aims to be the most reliable partner for all customers in realizing a happy and prosperous society and life, by facing, walking alongside, and continuously supporting them through various risks and anxieties about their physical and daily lives. As a non-life insurance company with offices nationwide, it actively promotes initiatives that contribute to regional revitalization by leveraging its insurance expertise to fulfill its social responsibilities. As of the end of April 2026, it has concluded various agreements with 46 prefectures and over 220 municipalities, addressing various social issues from a medium- to long-term perspective and contributing to the creation of a sustainable society by working with local communities to solve problems.