Early Defibrillation is the Key Determinant of Survival From Sudden Cardiac Arrest
 

For every minute that defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival reduces by 10%

Whilst it is recognised that the average response times of around 8 minutes for our Emergency Ambulance Service is amongst the best in the world, from the above information it is clear to see why the vast majority of SCA victims do not survive.

Significant improvement in survival from Sudden Cardiac Arrest will only be achieved if Defibrillators are made more widely available within the community, ensuring that as many people as possible are trained in this simple life saving technique.

The introduction of easy to use Automated External Defibrillators (AED), that can analyse a victims heart rhythm and prompt users to deliver life saving shocks quickly and safely, has enabled this wider deployment to begin.

Resuscitation Guidelines Updates.

"With the inclusion of AED use in Basic Life Support (BLS) skills, BLS is now defined by the first 3 Links in the Chain of Survival: early access, early CPR, early defibrillation. Each link must be strong throughout the community"
"Any individual with responsibility for the management of cardiac arrest in the hospital or community should be trained in, and authorised to perform defibrillation using an AED. Such individuals include:

  • Medical practitioners of all disciplines and seniority
  • Clinical medical students
  • All registered nurses and pre-registration student nurses
  • All emergency ambulance service personnel
  • Occupational first aiders
  • Members of voluntary aid societies and other life saving organisations.

The Resuscitation Council (UK) also recommends the provision of AEDs and training in early defibrillation for other individuals who may be called upon to provide emergency cardiac arrest management. These might include police officers, fire-fighters, security personnel, airline cabin crew and others."

Estimated Response Times and Survival Rates

Traditional Ambulance
999 Call Response Time to site To Patient First Shock Chance of Survival
(1 min) (8 mins) (1 min) 10 mins less tahn 10%
 
Co-Responders (Fire, Police etc.)
999 Call Response Time to site To Patient First Shock Chance of Survival
(1 min) (4 mins) (1 min) 6 mins 40%
 
On-Site Defibrillation (AED)
999 Call Response Time to site To Patient First Shock Chance of Survival
(1 min) (2 mins)   3 mins greater than 60%

B. Pulse Check

"Lay rescuers will no longer be taught or expected to perform a pulse check. The signal for lay rescuers to begin chest compressions (and attach an AED) is the absence of signs of circulation (normal breathing, coughing or movement)"

References:

1. International Guidelines 2000 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (Published in 'RESUSCITATION' August 23rd 2000 Vol.46 NOs. 1-3)
2. Resuscitation Council (UK) - Published February 2001. (Available 'on-line' at www.resus.org.uk)
 
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