I am delighted that the Department of Health and British Heart Foundation have very recently announced a £1 million partnership to make public access defibrillators (PADs) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training more widely available across England.
Nearly 30,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest out of hospital each year, with fewer than one in ten surviving. However, a bystander giving immediate CPR and defibrillation can potentially double chances of survival in some cases. Every minute counts as for every minute without defibrillation chances of survival decrease by 10%.
Currently only 38% of the public are aware they can use PADs in an emergency and only 22% say they would be confident to do so. This is why I am pleased with the launch of this awareness campaign on the availability and effectiveness of defibrillators. Through equipping ourselves with the skills to save a life it is hopeful that UK survival rates will increase dramatically. I for one am very aware of the need for such awareness and training having had a friend who almost died as a result of a heart issue as well as my own family history of heart disease and attacks.
The British Heart Foundation are now accepting applications for PADs and CPR training kits from organisations such as charities, community groups and social enterprises. I would encourage as many of our local organisations as possible to apply for the awards which will run through to March 2016. A full criterion for applicants is available at www.bhf.org.uk.