Why do we need AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators)?
Each year between 80,000 and 120,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest in a public place in the UK
In London the Ambulance Service attends 8000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year
Time to Defibrillation—the Clock is Ticking
It takes the following amount of time:-
- to recognize the person is in cardiac arrest 1 min
- make a 999 call to the emergency services 1 min
- for the emergency services to arrive 5 to 8 mins
- locate the victim and deliver the shock 2 mins
Total time taken = 9 to 12 mins
The chances of survival diminish every minute that elapses
After 2 minutes 75%
After 4 minutes 55%
After 6 minutes 36%
After 8 minutes 16%
After 10 minutes chances of survival are remote
The above shows we need to get the right treatment to the person quickly
As you can see from the above it makes sense to have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on site. An Automated External Defibrillator is a portable, easy to use device that monitors the heart via sticky pads attached to the chest. The AED will deliver an electric shock to re-start the heart.The AED’s computer assesses the patients heart rhythm and provides the correct treatment, guiding the user at every stage. The AED will deliver a shock to the patient only if they are in VF. It will not allow the operator to use it incorrectly. It is so safe it can be used by anyone with only a little training.
SADS UK Supporting First Responders
SADS UK and the British Heart Foundation donate AED to Abbey Fields Swimming Pool
SADS UK donate AED to Senior School in Luton
Chelsea’s thank you letter
Cycling for Wayne raising awareness of SADS
Raising funds for an automated external defibrillator for Schoolboy
Grieving family donate funds to support AEDs in the community
London Ambulance Service train teachers the chain of survival, CPR and the AED
SADS UK’s affiliate in Northern Ireland donates AEDs to schools
SADS UK and the British Heart Foundation donate an AED to Newbold Leisure Centre
SADS UK and the British Heart Foundation donate an AED to Nicholas Park Leisure Centre
SADS UK member Marina Cleveley supports Help a Heart Week
Fundraising darts match in memory of Joe Spooner to provide Lawrence Sheriff School and Rugby Football Club with AEDs in Joe’s memory
Fundraising charity night to raise funds for AED for Sean Davies who was recently diagnosed with the Long QT Syndrome
Grandparents working to get an AED in school to protect their grandchildren

By kind permission of Luton News
The Automated External Defibrillator was donated to help safeguard a high risk pupil and any of the 938 pupils and 115 staff should they suffer cardiac arrest. The London Ambulance Service carried out training.