Firefighters get to the heart of the matterFirefighters in Tyne and Wear are proving just how big hearted they are as they welcome new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) aboard their fleet of fire engines – a first for a fire and rescue service in the North East. The new defibrillators are small and easily portable and can be used in extreme weather conditions.
Seventy per cent of cardiac arrests occur outside hospital and currently in the UK only 2–3% of these people survive. When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, their chances of survival drop by up to 14% with every minute that passes. “Our firefighters are fully trained to carry out cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which can double a person’s chance of survival, but using a defibrillator can increase the chances of survival by more than a third again,” said John Adamson, Corporate Support Area Manager, Tyne and Wear. “Having defibrillators on board our fire appliances will provide a lifeline to those people who are suffering a cardiac arrest in an emergency. Often we find ourselves first at the scene of an emergency – and in some cases the shock of being involved in an accident can cause cardiac arrest. Having defibrillators close to hand will help us protect life – and contribute to the modern and effective service we are committed to delivering.” Katharine Peel, Head of Emergency Life Support at the British Heart Foundation, said: “We welcome this move by the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, as the treatment of this emergency should not be regarded as just a matter for ambulance services, but the responsibility of the whole community. Research shows that early defibrillation, ideally within the first four minutes, can improve chances of survival. It makes absolute sense that firefighters – who might be the first on the scene – should be able to respond properly if circumstances require it. We strongly encourage this as part of an integrated approach with the local ambulance service.”
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Article Date: 10th August 2007 |
