Did you know?
In the UK there are over 30,000 out of hospital Cardiac Arrests yearly and 600 deaths annually.
Sudden Arrhythmic death syndrome accounts for 15-20% of all cardiac arrest deaths, killing 12 young people under the age of 35 each week. If a defibrillator is used within 3-5 minutes of a cardiac arrest taking place the rate of survival jumps from 6% to 74%.
Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest on a football pitch where he was fortunately saved by a defibrillator.
Imo Doorstep sport + group together with Benefit Mankind are hoping to raise funds for a defibrillator, and we need your support. We want to place a defibrillator in our local community as we believe we can make a difference in saving lives in Blackburn.
Defibrillator Appeal
Defibrillators are devices that restore a normal heartbeat by sending an electric pulse or shock to the heart. They are used to prevent or correct an arrhythmia, a heartbeat that is uneven or that is too slow or too fast. Defibrillators can also restore the heart’s beating if the heart suddenly stops.
A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest. This high energy shock is called defibrillation, and it’s an essential part in trying to save the life of someone who’s in cardiac arrest. A defibrillator may also be referred to as a defib, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) or a PAD (Public Access Defibrillator).
4 steps to take if someone is having a cardiac arrest
Cardiac arrests can happen to anyone, at any time. The following steps give someone the best chance of survival. If you come across someone in cardiac arrest:
- Call 999
- Start CPR
- Ask someone to bring a defibrillator if there’s one nearby (if no one is available to get one, listen to the emergency operator for further instructions)
- Turn on the defibrillator and follow its instructions
Who can use a defibrillator?
You don’t need to be trained to use a defibrillator – anyone can use it. They are simple and easy to use, and you don’t need any training. There are clear instructions on how to attach the defibrillator pads. It then assesses the heart rhythm and will only instruct you to deliver a shock if it’s needed. You can’t deliver a shock accidentally; the defibrillator will only allow you to shock if it is needed.
In a recent survey, three quarters of people said they wouldn’t feel confident enough to act if they saw someone having a cardiac arrest. With more CPR training and greater awareness, we can change that.
Buying a defibrillator for your workplace
Having a defibrillator in your workplace can save lives. Many businesses have a defibrillator and provide CPR training to demonstrate their commitment to keeping colleagues safe.
If you’re considering getting a defibrillator for your workplace, we have lots of helpful information about writing a business case, arranging CPR training, and keeping your defibrillator maintained so it’s ready to respond to a cardiac arrest.
Buying a defibrillator for your community
Lots of villages, parish councils and community groups raise funds to make a defibrillator available to their local community.
If you’re interested in getting a defibrillator, we have lots of helpful information about fundraising, where to put it and how to maintain it so it’s always ready to save a life.
Donate any amount so we can purchase a defibrillator to save lives.