As part of Heart Rhythm Week (2-8 June) we examine the issue of defibrillators and whether or not they should be made mandatory in workplaces, schools and sports venues.
About 100,000 people a year in the UK die after having a sudden cardiac arrest, and of these there are around 60,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Also, every week in the UK at least 12 young people die suddenly from undiagnosed heart conditions.
Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone who has or hasn’t been diagnosed with a cardiac condition. When someone goes into cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces their chances of survival by 10%. That percentage makes a big difference.
This is life-saving equipment that delivers an “electric shock” to the heart when someone is having a cardiac arrest. Newer models even have voice commands to talk the person through how to successfully use the equipment, although training is still important.
A perfect example of where this machine has proven vital is the case of footballer Fabrice Muamba, who had a cardiac arrest at White Hart Lane in March 2012 and was given three shocks using a defibrillator to help save his life.
This is an issue that has garnered much support including the petition by The Oliver King Foundation, which received more than 110,000 signatures and led to a Parliamentary debate on the issue of introducing defibrillators in all schools.
This led to the announcement by the Department for Education (DFE) to allow schools to buy defibrillators at a reduced price in time for the autumn term. The government is currently working to identify a supplier who will offer defibrillators - which cost around £1,000 - to all schools at a competitive price.
What do you think? This still does not make the inclusion of defibrillators compulsory in schools, workplaces or sports venues. We however believe this should be a priority to stop the needless loss of so many lives.
If you are considering getting a defibrillator, you can view our range here. You can also visit our Automated External Defibrillation AED Instructors Course page. Or go to the Heart Rhythm Week site to learn more about how you can offer your support during this week.