Air Liquide (China) Holding Co. Ltd employees support 2017 Shanghai International Marathon as first responder volunteers

November 12 – the day of the 2017 Shanghai International Marathon – was not only a day of inspiring and personally rewarding competition among marathon runners, but also a very busy day for the event volunteers. These included 22 Air Liquide in Mainland China employees who served as "first responders" for this popular sports event.

Getting up before dawn, outfitted with first-aid equipment and supplies, the Air Liquide (China) Holding Co. Ltd volunteers arrived at designated locations along the marathon course long before the race started. By the time the starting gun sounded, they were well prepared to supply emergency support for runners throughout the eight-hour-long event.

Launched in 1996, the Shanghai International Marathon is now a popular annual event in Shanghai, China during late Fall. With more and more amateurs challenging themselves to the 42.195 kilometer race, there is a growing risk of serious medical incidents such as sudden cardiac arrest. In such cases, immediate first aid delivered by a certified "first responder" before the ambulance arrives can be vital and may save a runner's life.

Marcelo Fioranelli, Air Liquide in Mainland China Cluster VP, said, "We're proud of our employees who devoted their time and efforts to such a meaningful volunteer initiative. In line with our group's Corporate Sustainability Program, Air Liquide China will continue encouraging our employees to actively involve themselves in activities that contribute to the safety and well-being of the local communities."

For two consecutive years, Air Liquide (China) Holding Co.  Ltd organized trainings by external specialists for nearly 40 volunteers to help them qualify as first responders. To date, these trained employees have volunteered as first responders for more than 20 sports events including the marathon. All told, the volunteers have contributed more than 490 hours of volunteer service.

Responsibility is at the core of Air Liquide culture. Under its Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) umbrella program called "Air Liquide Care", and in addition to "First Responder Program", Air Liquide (China) Holding Co.  Ltd promotes other initiatives including the annual "Green Action" tree-planting event, the recycled computer donation program "Air Liquide Computer Classroom," and "Road Safety Lectures" for children.