South West Ambulance Service trialling new tachycardia kit

Paramedics will be using a new device for people with fast heartbeats

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 14th Nov 2023

A new device is being trialled in the South West, that could help people suffering from tachycardia.

Called Valsalva Assist Device, or VAD, it's used to reduce heartbeat to a normal rate.

South Western Ambulance Service (SWASFT) is running the first trial of its kind in the country.

If successful, they hope it can help reduce hospital admissions.

Symptoms of tachycardia include heart palpitations, chest tightness, dizziness, light-headedness, or breathlessness - and affect around 125,000 patients in the UK every year.

Data suggests that an ambulance service the size of SWASFT would see more than 400 patients a year with the condition.

Professor Andrew Appelboam, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, is leading a study called EVADE, into the device and its use.

He says this is a significant trial given the current pressures on emergency care:

“Enabling patients to remain at home, if they have been successfully treated, has major benefits for the patient and emergency services alike, particularly given the recent pressures on ambulance trusts and emergency departments.”

Ria Osborne, Research Manager at SWASFT, said:

“We’re excited to be running the EVADE study in the South West. It’s an innovative design, which could be of huge benefit to patients experiencing SVT. The study has also been featured in the British Medical Journal.

“The device is easy-to-use and can even be left with the patient for them to use if their symptoms return.

“We are hoping that the study will demonstrate that there is a reduction in patients needing to go to hospital.

“We’re incredibly grateful to our front-line crews for embracing the use of this new device, in the hope of improving patient outcomes and experiences.”

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