These devices are exceptionally simple to use and provide individuals facing life-threatening situations the highest likelihood of survival.
The device in question is a defibrillator, and Sam Palfreyman-Jones, a paramedic with the London Ambulance Service (LAS), is encouraging residents of London to place one in their neighborhoods to help save lives.
“A person who receives defibrillation from a bystander has nearly four times the chance of surviving a cardiac arrest,” she explains.
When administered promptly, defibrillators offer patients “the best chance possible” of overcoming a cardiac arrest, according to Sam.
A cardiac arrest represents a critical medical emergency when an individual’s heart ceases to beat effectively, halting blood circulation throughout the body.
Sam emphasizes the importance of quick action from bystanders before emergency services arrive.
Paramedics like Sam are appealing to Londoners to install a defibrillator within their communities by reaching out to the dedicated London Ambulance Charity.
This initiative comes after a £140,000 grant was awarded to fund nearly 60 defibrillators for local areas.
The funding was provided to the London Ambulance Charity by NHS Charities Together as a result of a collaboration with Omaze, linked to the £2.6 million raised during the Million Pound House Draw.
Sam, who oversees community resuscitation at LAS in addition to her work as a paramedic, asserts that this grant “will significantly enhance the Heart Starters campaign and support nearly 60 defibrillators for local communities urgently in need of these critical devices.”
She continues, “I’d also like to express gratitude to everyone who participated in the draw for contributing to giving our patients the best chances of surviving a cardiac arrest.”
“We’re urging Londoners to assist their neighbors and loved ones by hosting a defibrillator in their communities.”
Analysis from LAS has indicated that numerous neighborhoods in London are “defibrillator deserts,” lacking adequate access to these life-saving devices.
The data also highlighted significant disparities in cardiac arrest outcomes and the availability of essential equipment.
LAS noted that underprivileged areas demonstrate a heightened need for more defibrillators.
