South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust are proud to support AFCB with the provision of a number of defibrillators, both at Vitality Stadium and at their training pavillion.
Here are a few statistics for you:
- Over 30,000 people every year in the UK suffer an out of hospital cardiac arrest
- For every minute that passes without CPR, the person loses a further 10% chance of survival
- Less than one in ten people who suffer a cardiac arrest will survive to walk out of hospital
- Along with effective CPR and the use of an AED we can improve cardiac arrest survival rates to over 60%
- A heart attack and a cardiac arrest are NOT the same thing
An AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is designed to be used by everyone, and requires no training to operate them, as the device talks you through exactly what you need to do. They can be used on anyone over the age of one, and along with Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can make the difference between life and death.
Cardiac arrest does not discriminate against age, sex or levels of fitness – it can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time. It can be caused by many things including heart attacks, strokes and major trauma.
The first few minutes of a cardiac arrest are absolutely crucial, so having this life-saving equipment available, while the Ambulance is en route, gives the patient the best possible chance of survival. The more communities we can support in having their own defibrillator, the better.
For further information please contact your local ambulance service:
kate.fisher@swast.nhs.uk 07973 963530
For further information about South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust click here.
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