Product category:
Personal protective equipment (PPE), devices
News Release from: Laerdal Medical | Subject: Heartstart defibrillator
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 21 August 2003
More lives saved with Heartstart
defibrillator
Defibrillator successfully saves a life on Hampstead Heath.
As more and more health and safety professionals are recognising the importance of early defibrillation for victims of sudden cardiac arrest, an increasing number of public places around the UK are being equipped with defibrillators Consequently, news of lives being saved by defibrillators in public places is on the increase
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 3 Mar 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Laerdal donates Heartstart defibrillators
In response to the current demand for HeartStart defibrillators, at the Safety and Health Expo 06, Laerdal will be exhibiting defibrillators to suit every first aid and professional need.
Laerdal exhibits new defibrillator at Ambex.
At this year's Ambex, Laerdal Medical will be exhibiting the new Heartstart First Aid Defibrillator on Stand no. A14.
Recently on Hampstead Heath, North London, Kabir Kemp - a 41 year old sports teacher - collapsed whilst warming up for a work out on the Parliament Hill running track.
Using a Laerdal Heartstart defibrillator, nearby lifeguards from the Lido were able to administer life-saving treatment within the crucial 2-3 minutes of his collapse and Mr Kemp went on to make a full recovery in hospital.
As soon as Mr Kemp collapsed, the running track assistant summoned lifeguards from the nearby Lido.
Further reading
Heartstart defibrillator showcased at exhibitions
CMPi lead the way with HEARTSTART defibrillators on hand at the SandH Expo, ACPO Event and International Fire Expo 2003.
Lord's Cricket Ground plays safe
World-famous sporting venue leads the way with state-of-the-art defibrillators.
The Lido's Senior Swimming Assistant, Paul Jeal, explains, "When I arrived on the scene there was a crowd standing around not sure what to do".
"I checked the guy's breathing and pulse and couldn't find anything".
"The defibrillator advised that there was no pulse and that we should 'shock' him".
"I did this, and re-checked his pulse".
"We felt a pulse after one 'shock' and continued to administer oxygen until his breathing started again".
"Our training just took over".
"We have so many training sessions that it was just second nature".
"There wasn't any panic".
"We've only had the defibrillator since May and it definitely saved Mr Kemp's life".
"Brain damage is caused after only three or four minutes without oxygen; having the defibrillator meant we saved vital minutes".
An ambulance arrived on the scene four minutes later and took Mr Kemp to the Royal Free Hospital for further treatment.
Several days later, after a course of intensive care, Mr Kemp praised the quick action of the lifeguards".
""Nothing like this has happened before".
"I feel absolutely great now".
"I could jog across the Heath but doctors need to find out what happened".
"The attendants did a terrific job and obviously without them I wouldn't be here".
A spokesman from the Corporation of London comments, "There are no guidelines as such about making sure that defibrillators are available at open spaces yet, but their importance is being recognised and we are considering ensuring that more defibs are available at other spaces".
Laerdal's Heartstart First Aid Defibrillator can be operated safely and effectively, with minimal training, by members of the public and work-place first-aiders.
Heartstart is very easy to use, and guides the operator through every step, with clear visual and audible instructions.
If a first-aid responder can defibrillate a victim within 2-3 minutes of arrest, the chances of their survival are increased by up to 50 per cent.
Over 150,000 people die of heart attacks each year - a figure that can be dramatically reduced if more defibrillators are placed in public places.
• Laerdal Medical: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
