Local GPs Back "Shockingly Easy" Campaign

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Aiming to get 1,000 extra defibrillators in public places

GPs in North West London, including Hammersmith and Fulham, are supporting the London Ambulance Service’s campaign to save more lives by making defibrillators available in public places.

The "shockingly easy" campaign aims to get 1000 extra defibrillators in shops, businesses and gyms across the capital. The London Ambulance Service will offer guidance and support in using the equipment.

Around 28% survive a cardiac arrest in a public place, but where there is a defibrillator and someone is trained to use it, the chance of survival can increase to 80%.

London Ambulance Service Chairman Richard Hunt CBE, says: “If you have a cardiac arrest, your heart stops beating and you are clinically dead. Every second counts which is why we want more defibrillators in public places to help us save more lives in London.”

Marks & Spencer is leading the campaign by fitting defibrillators in its 86 London stores and training more than 1000 staff to use them in an emergency.

Dr Tim Spicer, Chair of Hammersmith and Fulham CCG says: “We welcome London Ambulance Service’s campaign and strongly encourage local shops, gyms, hotels and offices to get first aid training and fit a defibrillator so they can help someone if they have a cardiac arrest.

“A person can have a cardiac arrest at any time or in any place so it’s important to be prepared. By placing defibrillators in public places and training people to use them and to carry out CPR, more lives could be saved.”

For more information on how to get a defibrillator for your business and training on how to use it call on 020 7783 2366 or go to the London Ambulance Service website.

June 20, 2014