Lack of defibrillators could put 16m at risk of death by cardiac arrest in England and Wales
Summary
More than 16 million people in England and Wales live too far from a defibrillator that is available all day and night, putting them at risk if they suffer a cardiac arrest. Early use of a defibrillator and CPR can double survival chances, but many areas lack quick access to these devices. The British Heart Foundation is starting a program to provide more community defibrillators in high-need places.Key Facts
- Over 16 million people in England and Wales are more than a 1km round trip from a 24/7 defibrillator.
- More than half the population, or 35 million people, are not within a 3-5 minute walk of a defibrillator.
- Each year, there are over 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK with less than 10% survival.
- Survival chances drop by roughly 10% each minute without CPR or defibrillation.
- All local authorities except City of London have some residents far from a 24/7 defibrillator.
- In 264 out of 318 areas studied, over half the residents live beyond the recommended 3-5 minutes from a defibrillator.
- Some places like Harlow and Birmingham have very low access, while City of London and Hartlepool have better access.
- The British Heart Foundation will give 400 defibrillators to communities with the greatest need.
- A UK MP suggested removing VAT from defibrillators and their accessories to make installation easier.
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