North East operators urged to add life saving devices to database
Did you know that the British Heart Foundation have produced a network that allows ambulance dispatchers to see where defibrillators are located?
Operators of North East defibrillators are being urged to register their devices on a national database.
British Heart Foundation, in partnership with the Resuscitation Council UK and the Scottish Ambulance Service, hope the register will improve the current one-in-10 rate at which defibrillators are used in cardiac arrests outside hospitals.
The circuit allows ambulance dispatchers to locate where the devices are and inform callers of where to find them.
Aberdeenshire West MSP Alexander Burnett led calls for the creation of a Scottish network after hearing emergency services often didn’t have any details of defibrillators close to callers.
The Scottish Conservative MSP said:
“When someone unfortunately suffers cardiac arrest, every second counts.
“Many life-saving pieces of kit are in shopping centres, schools and libraries across the North East, and greatly improve the chances of a patient surviving long enough for an ambulance to arrive.
“This is particularly important now because of the challenges faced by the Scottish Ambulance Service.
“In 2017 I was shocked to find out that there was no joined-up way for 999 staff to help find these devices, and followed this up with the Scottish Government.
“So I am delighted that the BHF and partners are campaigning for this change.”
Those who take care of public access defibrillators can register with the Circuit by visiting here.