We’re always proud to support our local community. We were happy to install this life saving equipment free of charge at the Brixworth Centre. Thanks must also go to Brixworth First Responders, who provided the defibrillator.
Life-saving equipment
The UK’s ambulance services receive reports of around 115,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests or OHCAs each year. However, the British Heart Foundation says only around one in 10 will survive.
Fast emergency treatment can dramatically increase the chances of survival. Studies have found that defibrillation within three to five minutes can improve survival by 50% to 70%. Providing defibrillators in public places can make a big difference. You can apply to the British Heart Foundation for funding for a public access defibrillator.
Should my premises have a defibrillator?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that certain businesses should have defibrillators and others should carry out a needs assessment.
The assessment includes:
how many people might be passing through or nearby
the age of those people
the location and likely emergency service response times.
Some businesses choose to have defibrillators to show their commitment to keeping colleagues and the local community safe.
There aren’t any laws requiring defibrillators in the workplace, but the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), the British Heart Foundation and the Resuscitation Council UK recommend making them available.
Installing a defibrillator
Although defibrillators don’t need power themselves, each unit needs a power supply. Heated cabinets keep the equipment at the right temperature. A light inside helps users when they open the door. Some may also have an alarm.
Ongoing running costs include electricity, replacement batteries and consumable items.
Your nearest defibrillator
It’s important to act quickly if someone collapses with a suspected cardiac arrest. There’s a DefibFinder website to help you find the closest registered defibrillator. Simply enter your postcode or location for a map showing your nearest defibrillators.
For electrical installation advice about a defibrillator for your community or business, please get in touch.
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