Derbyshire Country Cricket Club

In April 2023, after an evening event at Derbyshire County Cricket Club, a visitor suddenly collapsed on the dance floor in the Marquee situated within the complex and suffered a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

Luckily, a defibrillator was located by a bystander while security were on their way, whilst Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) was performed.

What is Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest? (OHCA)

Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) is a life-threatening emergency that demands swift intervention. This medical condition occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, ceasing the blood flow and oxygen supply to vital organs. Time is of the essence in such situations, making awareness and rapid response critical factors in improving outcomes.

OHCA refers to the abrupt cessation of the heart's pumping function that occurs outside of a hospital or medical facility. During a cardiac arrest, the heart's electrical system malfunctions, causing an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). This leads to loss of consciousness and requires prompt treatment of CPR and shock by defibrillator.

The Critical Role of Bystander CPR and defibrillation:

Bystander CPR is a crucial link in the chain of survival for individuals experiencing OHCA. Immediate CPR and the use of a defibrillator can help maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs until professional medical help arrives.

Thanks to bystander intervention and the quick thinking of the surrounding members of the public, the man was successfully resuscitated by the use of both CPR and a shock from a defibrillator and taken to a nearby hospital where he then made a full recovery.

Why Do We Need Defibrillators?

Defibrillators are medical devices used to treat life-threatening cardiac emergencies.The heart's ability to pump blood effectively to the vital organs including the brain halts, leading to Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

Defibrillators are designed to be user-friendly, allowing anyone whether trained or not to administer life-saving treatment effectively. Defibrillators are equipped with voice prompts and visual instructions, guiding users through the process of delivering a shock.

This donated defibrillator from defibshop will be stored in the staff building where a defibrillator is not yet installed. As Derbyshire County Cricket Club have multiple buildings across the complex, they are delighted to be adding another device on site as they have proved that having an accessible defibrillator nearby can be the difference between life and death in a SCA emergency.