It didn't take me long to come up with my first idea for my first blog and it's a topic that I am so passionate about and something I fight for strongly which is defibrillators in care homes.
I have been in many situations where whilst at work one of our residents have become the unfortunate victim of a cardiac arrest and their chances of survival is minimalized by the lack of resources available.
Figures out this year show that only 10 % of those who suffer from cardiac arrests and are given basic cpr (no defibrillator) outside of hospital actually survive, whereas those who are given cpr alongside a defibrillator have a 50 % chance of survival outside a hospital and having a defibrillator to hand can make all the difference.
As first responders and paramedics, these guys are able to deal with more when it comes to a cardiac arrest; obtaining and managing an airway, providing administered oxygen and drugs (qualified paramedics) and using a variety of AED equipment to try and preserve someone life.
From previous experience as a first responder, I was called to a cardiac arrest to a place of work but unfortunately due to other health problems the outcome was unsuccessful. I challenged the then manager the next day about the idea of getting a defibrillator within the home but she was against the idea saying it would not be beneficial to those within the home and would be seen as not worth the money. However with the bigger picture the AED could be used for staff, visitors or residents.
Many homes are now putting this in place - I just hope this is put into place across the board!
