To protect the rights of consumers, the Executive Yuan’s Department of Consumer Protection (hereinafter referred to as “DCP”) conducted joint inspections of commercial sites at key transportation hubs (hereinafter referred to as “the sites”) between October and November 2025. The inspections covered airports, high-speed rail stations, Taiwan Railway stations, and metro stations in Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu County, Yunlin County, Tainan City, and Kaohsiung City, totaling 14 sites. Inspection results indicated that all sites had installed Automated External Defibrillators (hereinafter referred to as “AEDs”). For sites with regulatory violations or deficiencies, the DCP requested the competent authorities to require the operating entities to make corrections in accordance with the law, either by exercising their authority or by supervising local governments.
Given that Taiwan High Speed Rail stations, Taiwan Railway stations, and metro stations are major transportation hubs with high volumes of pedestrian traffic, the failure of emergency medical equipment (AEDs) or safety devices (such as emergency call systems) in the event that members of the public feel unwell and require assistance could pose a risk to their safety. To understand the current status of installation, maintenance, and related management systems for AED emergency medical equipment and safety devices at key transportation hub commercial sites, the DCP conducted inspections between October and November 2025. The inspections were carried out together with the Railway Bureau and Civil Aviation Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (hereinafter referred to as “MOTC”), along with local government transportation and building management units, Consumer Ombudsmen, and other relevant authorities. The inspections focused on emergency medical equipment and related management measures, as well as safety devices. The results are as follows:
I.Emergency medical equipment and related management measures: Eleven sites were non-compliant, primarily due to deficiencies in AED installation and management:
(I)AED signage non-compliances: Eleven sites, including cases where the signage color was not red, the height from the ground was insufficient, or AED signage was not provided at key entrances.
(II)Incomplete online registration of AED information: Nine sites.
(III)AED alarm malfunction: Two sites.
(IV)AED location not labeled on site floor plans: Two sites.
II.Safety devices: Three sites were non-compliant, all due to emergency call systems in public restrooms failing to sound an alarm when activated.
Regarding the results of these inspections, the DCP has requested the MOTC and the Ministry of the Interior (hereinafter referred to as “MOI”) to continue handling the matter in accordance with the law. In addition, the DCP has requested the MOTC to strengthen regulatory guidance on the maintenance and management of AED emergency equipment at key transportation hubs and to conduct inspections of these sites. The MOTC is also to assist the relevant operating units in ensuring compliance, while paying attention to the education and training of site managers and on-site staff to improve their proficiency in using emergency equipment so they can be prepared for emergencies. Furthermore, the DCP has requested the MOI to supervise local building management units to enhance the oversight and inspection of safety devices at various consumer sites within their jurisdiction, thereby ensuring consumer safety.
The DCP reminds consumers to pay attention to the location of AED emergency equipment and safety devices when using transportation services or facilities at such sites, in order to safeguard their personal safety and consumer rights.