HEALTH & SAFETY VITAL LIFELINE Here, ZOLL explains how CPR and defibrillators save lives in care settings.
There are around 17,000 care facilities in the UK, catering for almost half a million people. Protecting the safety and wellbeing of those living in a care home offers its own unique challenges; ensuring that staff are fully CPR trained and having at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) on site ensures that residents, visitors and staff are protected in the event of a cardiac emergency.
WHAT IS CARDIAC ARREST?
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) refers to the heart suddenly losing the ability to pump blood effectively, usually due to an abnormal rhythm – known as an arrhythmia. Someone in cardiac arrest will fall unconscious immediately, and not be breathing normally or responsive.
As blood is not being pumped around the body, death comes within minutes of cardiac arrest without treatment. Currently in the UK, less than one in 10 people survive SCA – amounting to almost 100,000 deaths every year.
WHAT IS CPR AND AN AED?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a shock from an automated external defibrillator (AED) is the first line of treatment for someone in cardiac arrest. CPR buys vital time for an AED to be located while the heart is not beating effectively, by acting as a manual pump and ensuring oxygenated blood still reaches vital organs.
An AED is a small device that analyses heart rhythm through pads attached to the chest and determines whether to deliver a shock to the casualty based on this. The high-energy shock is intended to stop the heart momentarily; allowing the body’s natural pacemaker to restart a normal rhythm.
A shock from an AED is currently the only definitive treatment for someone in cardiac arrest.
WHY ARE THESE VITAL IN A CARE SETTING? In a care setting these life-saving pieces of equipment are vital
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to have on-site, as this minimises the time from cardiac arrest to shock in an emergency when every second counts. Studies show that every minute without CPR and a shock while in cardiac arrest causes the chances of survival to fall by 10%.
Resuscitation Council UK states that 72% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) occur in private residences, including care homes and assisted living. Having an AED on site greatly reduces the time between collapse and the initial shock to restore rhythm.
Beginning CPR immediately and using an AED within three to five minutes of collapse can cause survival rates to improve from 6% to 74%.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is responsible for inspecting and regulating health and social care in England, ensuring that care is safe and effective. The CQC advises that all clinical areas should have “immediate access to an AED”.
WHY IS CPR TRAINING FOR STAFF CRUCIAL?
In care settings, being able to respond quickly to a cardiac emergency is essential. Staff are oſten the first to witness a resident collapse or show signs of cardiac arrest, which is why CPR training is so important. Immediate action, such as starting CPR and using an AED, helps keep oxygenated blood flowing to vital organs, increasing the chance of survival while waiting for emergency responders.
CPR training ensures that staff know exactly how to act in these situations, helping them stay calm and provide effective care in the crucial first minutes of a cardiac event.
LOOKING BEYOND REQUIREMENTS
While having an AED and trained staff may not be a legal requirement, it’s about ensuring the best possible care for residents. Staff who are prepared to handle cardiac emergencies create a safer environment, where both residents and staff are better equipped to deal with unexpected, life- threatening situations.
www.zoll.com/uk
www.tomorrowscare.co.uk
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