Many years ago, George Nicolson invested in an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) for our premises. A small sign was fitted to the exterior of the building to advise we have a defibrillator. We also arranged the relevant training through https://www.lucky2bhere.org/ for as many of our office based employees as possible.
For many years, our AED has been registered to The Circuit, the national defibrillator network used by all 14 ambulance services across the UK. It enables ambulances services to locate the nearest defibrillator when 999 is called in response to a cardiac arrest. Our AED is checked on a monthly basis and shows online it is ready for an emergency.
Cardiac arrests can happen to anyone, at any age and at any time. Through raising awareness of cardiac arrest and lifesaving skills, you potentially could save a life whether it be at your workplace, when you are out and about or at home. The chances of surviving a cardiac arrest are massively increased if a defibrillator is used. For every minute without CPR and defibrillation, the chance of survival reduces by up to 10%.
Meaningful ways to be prepared could involve:
- Learning CPR through a certificated training provider.
- Practice AED use so you are familiar with how to use an AED in an emergency.
- Spread awareness by sharing with family, friends and social networks the importance of CPR training.
- Downloading free apps to your phone such as Crowdsav which will find the nearest AED from your current location or What3Words where the emergency services can locate you when you don’t know your location.
- Purchase an AED for your business.
Over 100,000 defibrillators are now registered on The Circuit. George Nicolson recognises this significant milestone and wishes to support them through raising awareness.
Should your organisation already have a defibrillator, please check whether it is registered with The Circuit. Registering your defibrillator on The Circuit allows members of your community to access it in time when somebody needs it and in turn giving them the best chance of survival.
Images courtesy of the British Heart Foundation.
