I was struck recently by a sobering set of statistics. Every year, there are more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK. This sudden and often fatal condition occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing it to stop beating effectively. When it occurs at home, at work or in a public place, the survival rate is less than 10% – in other words, approximately 27,000 people tragically die. This is far more that the 1,711 fatalities in 2022 from road traffic collisions.
According to The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), one of the most important factors which influences survival is early defibrillation. When defibrillation is delivered within a few minutes of the cardiac arrest taking place, survival rates can reach as high as 80%.
Modern defibrillators
Unlike in years gone by, today’s modern defibrillators are highly capable and intuitive. It is now possible for members of the public to use these machines without training. The defibrillator can talk the user through the required steps, automatically check the casualty’s heart rhythm and deliver a shock if required.
Placing defibrillators in individual homes is one option to consider, here. Just as many UK households have smoke alarms, which help to prevent a significant number of deaths and injuries a year, a defibrillator can be another life-saving home addition. However, ensuring that every household has a defibrillator is, unfortunately, unrealistic.
A life-saving proposal
So, where else could these defibrillators go? Where would be accessible and safe?
I believe that portable defibrillators should be included as a feature within all taxis, black cabs and new cars.
For drivers and their loved ones, the advantages are clear – a defibrillator would be close to hand, whether they are at home or out-and-about. The device would be kept safe and damage-free in a dedicated area of the car, and it would be checked regularly as part of routine servicing.
The outcome? Imagine a scenario where a person goes into cardiac arrest at home or in the street. Those in the vicinity quickly flag down a taxi, black cab or new car, knowing there is a defibrillator inside. Within minutes, the cardiac arrest victim is receiving the critical help they need, precious time is being well-used while waiting for an ambulance to arrive, and a life is saved!
Time to take action
For motorcar manufacturers, incorporating defibrillators as standard equipment would demonstrate an ongoing dedication to the safety of customers. In addition, manufacturers would also be supporting the health of local communities; a new car suddenly becomes a vehicle for public health.
On a personal note, I have put a defibrillator in my own car, my wife’s and my children’s – and I sincerely hope they are never needed!
For now, I urge others to follow suit and purchase their own defibrillators if in a position to do so. However, I hope to see a future where defibrillators are a standard feature in cars. Their presence could be life-saving.
Jonathan Harris