Getting to the heart of the matter

Each day, the human heart beats around 100,000 times. Mostly, we are unaware of this vital process – until something happens. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests cause an estimated 30,000 deaths in the UK each year. However, a large proportion of these fatalities are preventable. Being prepared makes all the difference. So, this World Heart Day, take a moment to refresh your knowledge about heart health and the skills that could prove lifesaving in an emergency.

Preventable deaths

Cardiac arrests can be triggered by a variety of factors, and sometimes the cause is unknown. However, cardiovascular disease is one major contributor. Therefore, focusing on ways that we, as individuals, can keep our hearts healthy – through the choices we make day-to-day – is a sensible place to start. One factor to consider is a healthy diet, which will help to support heart health alongside many other aspects of wider wellbeing. Similarly, getting the right amount of exercise is an important part of looking after our hearts while also contributing to overall health. More information and resources on these and other heart-focused choices can be accessed via the British Heart Foundation.

When facing an emergency situation, quick action is required. Currently, the survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests is shockingly low at under 10%. However, if victims are defibrillated within 3-5 minutes of suffering a cardiac arrest, then the survival rate increases to as much as 70%. Thousands of deaths could be prevented with swifter action. If you find yourself nearby when someone is experiencing a cardiac arrest, then being armed with knowledge about how to help could prove lifesaving.

Ready in an emergency

When a person goes into cardiac arrest, then your priority is to call 999 and start CPR. The next priority – while you or someone else is performing CPR ­– is to find a defibrillator and use it as soon as possible.

How can you tell if someone is experiencing a cardiac arrest? Where can you find a defibrillator, and how do you use one? This World Heart Day, make sure you know the answers to these crucial questions. Then, keep your knowledge fresh by revisiting this information on a regular basis.

As a starting point, take a look at this useful video by the British Heart Foundation:

The JumpStart Campaign

Early defibrillation can save lives, but this relies on defibrillators being nearby when needed. In the UK, there has been a move to install defibrillators in public spaces, from town halls to train stations. However, around 80% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home, so for the majority of victims these devices in public spaces are just too far away. Additional places are needed for this lifesaving equipment to go – places that are closer to home.

The national JumpStart campaign is calling for lifesaving defibrillators to be included, as standard, in every new car sold in the UK. Each year, around 2 million new cars arrive on our roads. If each of these had a portable defibrillator inside, access would radically improve. The number of these lifesaving devices would steadily increase year after year. In the future, our cars could serve as ‘mini ambulances’ – and save countless lives.