As CPRs we routinely attend cardiac arrests. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest has a 1 in 10 survival rate and early CPR and defibrillation is vital to increase the chances of survival.
While CPR keeps blood flowing around the body, early defibrillation is considered the link in the chain most likely to improve survival, as the electric shocks it delivers may be able to stop the heart and reset it to a healthy rhythm.
In Harpenden and the surrounding villages there are a number of public access defibrillators. The Harpenden Lions have compiled a useful map to facilitate finding a local defibrillator in an emergency: Lions Defibrillator Map
If you know of a defibrillator that is not on the map or any amends needed, please contact: secretary@harpenden-lions.co.uk.
In addition, if you have a defibrillator please be sure to register it on The Circuit. The Circuit – the national defibrillator network, connects defibrillators to NHS ambulance services across the UK so that in those crucial moments after a cardiac arrest, they can be accessed quickly to help save lives. If your defibrillator isn't registered, ambulance services can't find it when it is needed the most.
Interested in learning how to use a defibrillator? Contact us at harpendencfrs2024@gmail.com for a FREE awareness course.
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