Defibrillator 'deserts' to be tackled with Mayor of London funding
Over 200 defibrillators will be put in place to combat 'deserts' across the capital.
London will get over 200 new life-saving defibrillators across the city thanks to Mayor of London funding and Transport for London.
It's to combat 84 defibrillator 'deserts' across the city, where there is no easy access to a device.
13 neighbourhoods in London have no access to a single defibrillator.
There are around 35 reported cardiac arrests in London every single day, and the chance of survival outside of hospital is just 10%.
However, if a defibrillator is used withing 3-5 minutes, chances of survival more than doubles.
Funding for 200 of the devices has been given by the Mayor of London, and Transport for London are providing an additional 44 defibrillators to homeless shelters across the capital.
The Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said “When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, every second counts. That’s why I’m proud to be partnering with the London Ambulance Service and helping to fund 200 new defibrillators. This will help to ensure that every neighbourhood in our city has better access to this life-saving equipment.
“With more defibrillators set to be installed around our capital, it’s also important that everyone learns how to use these devices. That’s why I am urging Londoners to watch our short training video on how to apply CPR and use a defibrillator, so we all know how to step in and assist in an emergency.
“With the right equipment and the right knowledge, we can make London a city where everyone can actively help in an emergency, as we continue building a safer London for everyone."
Chief Executive of the London Ambulance Service Jason Killens said “Defibrillators are safe and simple to use and the more we install in public places, the more lives will be saved.
"Be a guardian in your community and look after your local defib so it’s ready whenever it might be needed. It shouldn’t matter where in London you live - everyone deserves the best chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.”