Tag Archives: cardiac arrest

Why is it is important get involved in World Restart a Heart Day?

World Restart a Heart Day - Why is it so important?
World Restart a Heart Day

As we approach World Restart a Heart Day on the 16th October 2019. The British Heart Foundation has published figures showing that around 30,000 people will have an out-of-hospital heart attack, and therefore will be reliant on the public to assist them until they receive help from the emergency services. It could come as a shock that, despite such a high number of these incidents, less than 1 in 10 of these people will survive. 

Part of the reason for such a low survival rate is a lack of bystander intervention. Lack of knowledge or understanding of what to do has resulted in the average Joe only giving CPR in 1 out of 5 incidents. 

Surviving an out-of-hospital heart attack

Various factors can play a part in the outcome of someone surviving an out-of-hospital heart attack – especially the public’s knowledge of life-saving skills. In fact, performing early CPR (with use of an AED) can more than double those numbers – as shown in other European countries where the survival rate is more than 1 in 4.

The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives have suggested that the UK could achieve the same survival rates as other European countries like Norway (who are currently sitting at a 25% survival rate). They estimate this to mean that 100 more people could be saved per week, roughly resulting in more than 5,000 people per year. 

Teaching CPR – The missing factor

Teaching of CPR is the important factor missing in the UK. Although we are required by law to have a first aider in every workplace, we are rarely taught CPR anywhere else. There are an increasing number of European countries that require citizens to complete a First Aid course in order to obtain their drivers license. This mandate has resulted in higher numbers of the population knowing CPR, which has a domino effect on how many people step up to help those who need it. 

Further Support

Amalgamate are delighted to be supporting World Restart a Heart Day. You can find out more about organising your own RSAH session by chatting to your regional contact, organised by the BHF here – www.resus.org.uk/events/rsah or please contact us on: t. +44 (0)141 244 0181 or e. training@amalgamate-safety.com

AED Training saves lives

AED training is now available as part of all our First Aid at Work courses.
From 31 December 2016, the Health and Safety Executive will require all First Aid at Work courses to include training on the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

AED machine

Automated External Defibrillator

At Amalgamate we are already including AED training in our First Aid courses. Prompt use of an AED (within 5 minutes of collapse) combined with chest compressions, can lead to survival rates of 50 to 75%*. This is a vast increase on the distressingly low 7% survival rate for people who have cardiac arrest outside of hospital, if they are not treated with an AED.  While knowing CPR is of great value for a First Aider, being confident in using an AED can make a huge difference in the chances of the patient surviving.

AEDs are simple to operate and very user-friendly. Nowadays they are being provided in many public spaces, such as shopping malls and sports venues. And an increasing number of workplaces are investing in them, which we strongly encourage.

Click here for more information on the use and advantages of AEDs from the Resuscitation Council (UK).

To make sure you and your staff are confident enough to treat somebody who is in cardiac arrest, book onto one of our First Aid with AED training courses today. Call 07808 391228 or email info@amalgamate-safety.com for more information.

* European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2015

Amalgamate Safety