More than half of UK "not confident enough" to use defibrillator, study shows
Findings "aren't surprising", says Great Western Air Ambulance Charity
More than half of people in the UK wouldn't quite know how to help someone suffering a cardiac arrest, according to a new study.
Research by Resuscitation Council UK has found that 61% of people who responded to a survey say they aren't confident enough to use a defibrillator.
The survey was carried out online by Opinion Matters throughout this month, and included responses from 2,000 UK residents aged 16 and over.
Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, which provide critical care and air ambulance service across the South West region, tell us they're not surprised by the findings.
The charity's CEO, Anna Perry, says cardiac arrests accounted for almost a third of all emergencies they attended last year.
"Right now, only 40% of people receive early CPR and fewer than 2% have a defibrillator used prior to the ambulance arriving. The availability of defibrillators and the knowledge of how to use them is inadequate.
"Our crew brought early advanced care to over 500 people suffering a cardiac arrest in 2022, representing 28% of our incidents that year.
"Despite the extraordinary level of medical skill our crew bring to the scene, it's what happens prior to our arrival that can save a life."
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest affect around 80,000 patients per year in the UK, and in cases where defibrillation is required, acting within 3-5 minutes significantly increases the chances of survival.
Ms Perry says the charity is hoping to improve survival chance by providing training in schools and at various events.
Last year, they taught nearly 10,000 people CPR and basic life support skills.
A new campaign that aims to give people the confidence to use a defibrillator has been launched today, by Resuscitation Council UK.
The importance of quick action during a cardiac emergency is highlighted in a new animation, which aims to empower everyone to be a potential lifesaver.
In the event of an emergency, you can find your nearest defibrillator via DefibFinder.uk.