The BBC have recently published an article where politicians are yet again calling for more AED’s to be placed in leisure centres and schools (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-25537847).  The statistics from this article are quite daunting when you consider what life saving equipment is available in our public buildings;

• Only 1 in 5 leisure centres / gyms have a life saving AED

• Only 1 in 5 secondary schools have a life saving AED

• Only 1 in 500 primary schools have a life saving AED

When you consider the legislation behind fire fighting equipment and its availability in public places, there is none in place for medical lifesaving equipment.  Then consider how often cardiac arrests occur versus fire?  Don’t get us wrong, we are all for effective fire fighting equipment and staff trained to use it, we just think the same legislation should be in place for life saving medical equipment.

We asked Steve Furnell, Director from Resuscitation & Medical Consultancy to comment on the need for AED’s in public buildings.  Steve cited the recent published story of Santa having a cardiac arrest in a school in the USA (http://www.kare11.com/story/news/2013/12/24/osakis-school-saves-santa-suffering-cardiac-arrest/4198221/) as a great example as to why AED’s are so important.  He commented that the simplicity of an AED combined with effective regular training meant that when Santa had his cardiac arrest 2 weeks before Christmas in a primary school, he was effectively resuscitated and was able to still deliver presents!

So if you want Santa to be around to deliver presents next year, why not make it your new years resolution to openly question what life saving equipment is available in the buildings you and your family frequent most often…  If they have not got anything, ask why and do not take no for an answer.

For any advice or to ask a question about this blog please contact us at info@ramcltd.com