15 October 2015
As part of European Restart a Heart Day, a series of events – including one in St Helier this Friday (October 16) – demonstrating how to help the victim of a cardiac arrest.
The events aim to improve the low numbers of people surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests by educating the public about the simple measures they can take to perform basic life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using their hands and/or a defibrillator.
The events offer the chance for members of the public to try their hand – literally – at CPR, getting to grips with a ‘defib’ and generally becoming more comfortable with what’s involved should they encounter someone who’s had a heart attack and who may not have an Ambulance on hand for a few vital minutes – it takes just three minutes before damage to the brain can commence, and CPR can keep the blood flowing to this vital organ.
Increased chances
UK statistics show that whereas only one in 25 victims of a cardiac arrest is likely to survive without receiving CPR, their chances increase to one in four where CPR takes place.
“The prospect of coming across a person who has collapsed after a cardiac arrest may be routine for a paramedic, but for the average person it’s very frightening,” said Janet Davison, Training and Development Officer. “They are concerned about whether they might make the patient worse, but the only wrong thing you can do for someone in this position is to ignore them.
“Chest compressions are very straightforward and can make a vital difference – we’ll be showing people just how easy it is, aiming to leave them better-equipped should they ever encounter someone who is in need.”
The States of Jersey Ambulance Service and St John Ambulance will be in King Street, St Helier (between Hamons and Jack Wills) from 10am to 4pm on Friday, and everyone is welcome to come and find out more and try out some of the basic techniques that could save a life.
gov.je