Dozens of London communities have no life-saving kit
A STUDY by London Ambulance Service (LAS) study has found that 150 neighbourhoods are in need of life-saving defibrillators.
One central London borough was found to have six times more defibrillators than some poorer neighbourhoods meaning “where you live or work could determine your chance of surviving a cardiac arrest” LAS CEO Daniel Elkeles said.
The study has prompted a list being made of the areas in need and a new fundraising campaign to get more defibrillators set up in these poorer areas which LAS have labelled ‘defib deserts’.
Known as London Heart Starters, the campaign aims to build on the successes of ongoing London Ambulance initiatives to improve cardiac arrest survival rates in London.
Chief Executive of London Ambulance Service Daniel Elkeles said: “When someone is in cardiac arrest, every second counts in the fight for survival.
Our ambulance crews get to these sickest patients quickly, but by starting CPR and using a defibrillator, you can help save someone’s life.
“Our new data is a sad reminder that some areas in London are ‘defib deserts’ – this means where you live or work could determine your chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.
“London is an amazing city, and we want the capital to become a global leader on responding to cardiac arrest by increasing the number of people who are ready and willing to help.
“We’re sharing this analysis with Londoners and asking you to get involved in fundraising for urgently needed defibrillators – we want to start a social movement, and improve survival rates for all of us.”
When someone suffers a cardiac arrest – which is when the heart stops beating – the use of a defibrillator gives them the best chance of survival. But new analysis from London Ambulance shows 21 neighbourhoods where there is no access to a defibrillator, and 129 neighbourhoods where there is limited access for the population nearby.
Consultant Paramedic Mark Faulkner said: “At the moment only eight per cent of Londoners survive a cardiac arrest if it happens outside of hospital. Sadly, each minute of delay in resuscitation reduces chances of survival by around 22 per cent, as brain tissue starts to die within minutes after the heart stops.
“But survival rates are over 50 per cent if a defibrillator is used before paramedics arrive. Everyone can learn CPR and what to do in an emergency.”
“While there are more than 9,400 publicly accessible defibrillators in London, our analysis shows that there are fewest in areas with the highest levels of deprivation and poorest health outcomes.
“We want Londoners, regardless of where they live, to have a fighting chance to survive a cardiac arrest. This is why the London Ambulance Charity’s London Heart Starters campaign is so vital.
“If we could double London’s cardiac arrest survival rate – which the best parts of the world suggest is possible with bystander help – we could save the lives of hundreds more people every year.”
A public-access defibrillator and cabinet costs £1,600. Jess Burgess, Head of Charity Development at London Ambulance Charity, said: “I would urge all Londoners to try and get involved, whether that’s taking part in our first ever fundraising walk, the London Life Hike on Sunday 8 September – enjoying a family-friendly 5k loop or a more challenging 20k walk past the iconic landmarks of the city.
“You can also simply donate to our Charity to fund training and defibrillators in places they are most needed, or by signing up to learn these life-saving skills for themselves.
When someone is in cardiac arrest, every second counts in the fight for survival.