Why all AEDs should be Public-Access

Sudden Cardiac Arrest remains one of the leading causes of death in the UK and statistics prove the need for more public access defibrillators.

Defibrillators are the only devices that help victims of cardiac arrest. Combined with effective CPR, public access defibrillators significantly increase the chances of survival.

Are Public Access Defibrillators Needed?

Whilst the emergency services prioritise cardiac-related emergencies, they aren't always able to respond quickly enough. With response rates currently standing at 11 minutes in urban areas, having a public access defibrillator could be the difference between life and death.

Research conducted by the British Heart Foundation revealed bystanders who witness a cardiac arrest emergency only perform CPR in 4 out of 10 cases. Norway's 73% intervention rate and three times higher survival rate display the UK's need for more public access defibrillators.

Based on European data, there are approximately 60,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK, every year. 20% of cardiac arrest emergencies occur in public places; without a defibrillator, the location is not heart safe and therefore, cannot effectively handle an emergency.

About Cardiac Arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is an electrical malfunction of the heart.

Unlike other cardiac events, cardiac arrest occurs with no prior warnings or symptoms. Factors including your current health condition, age and gender do not feature when determining the cause of the arrest.

The only definitive treatment for victims of cardiac arrest is effective CPR and a shock from a defibrillator. If a shock is necessary, defibrillators charge and deliver the shock automatically or instruct the user to do so. This shock stops the patient's heart, therefore allowing their natural pacemaker to take over, restarting the heart in a natural rhythm.

For every minute that passes without treatment, the victim's survival chance decreases by 10%, however, delivering treatment within 3-5 minutes increases the survival chance from 6% to 74%.

Equip your Business with a Public Access Device

Increasing the number of public access defibrillators across the UK will lead to higher survival statistics and a more heart safe country.

Equip your business with a defibrillator and register the device for public access.

defibshop are committed to equipping everyone with the skills and knowledge to save a life. Speak to one of our Product Specialists on 0161 776 7422 or fill out our Contact Form.