OCTOBER is Restart a Heart Month; an annual campaign designed to raise awareness on topics such as Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), the importance of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
Charitable organisations such as the Resuscitation Council UK and British Heart Foundation work hard on coordinating campaigns across the UK, providing guidance, resources, and training materials to schools, workplaces, and communities. While the month has nearly ended, these skills must be acquired all year round.
This initiative is important because the immediate response to cardiac arrest can massively improve survival outcomes. SCA can happen to anyone, at any time, and without immediate intervention, the chance of survival drops by about 10 per cent every minute. CPR and AEDs are critical interventions that can double or even triple the chances of survival.
SCA happens when an electrical disturbance disrupts the heart's rhythm, causing it to stop or beat ineffectively. This leads to a rapid drop in blood pressure, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching vital organs. Without oxygen, brain cells can die within minutes, resulting in unconsciousness and collapse within seconds. The person suffering from SCA will not respond to shouting or shaking, will either stop breathing or start to irregularly gasp for breath and because the heart has stopped, the person won’t have a detectable pulse. Sudden Cardiac Arrest implies that it happens suddenly, often with little to no symptoms. Occasionally, there may be some warning signs, such as angina (episodes of chest pain or discomfort), shortness of breath (even when resting) and heart palpitations (sensations of racing or fluttering in the chest), to name a few. There are some differences in how SCA presents in men and women. Men commonly experience chest pain and shortness of breath before SCA. Women may have less typical symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and back or jaw pain. Women are more likely to experience symptoms like shortness of breath and indigestion in the days or weeks leading up to a cardiac event.
CPR can temporarily restore some blood flow to the brain and organs. This is achieved with CPR (mimicking the heart's pumping action). It’s crucial to start CPR as soon as possible to maintain circulation until an AED or professional medical help arrives. An AED can deliver an electric shock to the heart, potentially restoring a normal heart rhythm. The sooner an AED is applied, the better the chances of survival. An AED can be used by anyone, even those without medical training, thanks to its automated features. If you come across a person suffering from a SCA, call 999/112 immediately, they will guide you through steps to take until medical services arrive. AEDs are available for public access, but they require an access code that the emergency services can provide you with. You should familiarise yourself with your local area and where to find your closest AED. On your mobile device (or computer) search for a website defibfinder.uk. Enter your postcode and this will provide you with your closest AEDs.
The AED pack will have everything you need during an emergency, including pads, shears and razor. While SCA is uncommon in children, it is still possible. Many AEDs come with special child-appropriate size pads that reduce the energy level of the shock. These should be used whenever possible for children under eight years old. You can use an AED on someone with a pacemaker if they are experiencing SCA.
When applying AED pads, avoid placing the pad directly over the pacemaker. This can interfere with the device’s function and reduce the effectiveness of the shock.
It is important for communities and businesses that allow access to an AED on their premises to ensure they register the devices on 'The Circuit' - the national defibrillator network which maps defibrillators across the UK. It allows ambulance services to locate the nearest defibrillators and direct people to it in an emergency.” AEDs should be regularly checked and maintained by the appointed persons on the premises, including regular updating of availability - dates and times - and ensuring the AED is rescue ready.
We also urge more local businesses to provide an AED on their premises as it can be a critical lifesaving tool in emergencies. Having an AED readily available can significantly increase the chances of survival for someone experiencing SDA. For example, GEM Compliance Training, based in Little Germany, has taken a proactive step by granting public access to their defibrillator during office hours. This initiative not only enhances community safety but also encourages other businesses to follow suit, fostering a culture of preparedness and care in the area.
By making AEDs accessible, we can work together to create safer communities.
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