Lifesaving defibrillators installed at all Star Platforms depots

Star Platforms has invested in new lifesaving equipment in each of its locations. The seven new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) will help reanimation if someone has a cardiac arrest.

There are currently around 60,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests that occur each year in the UK. According to the British Heart Foundation, less than 1 in 10 people survive a sudden cardiac arrest. With only 40% of bystanders who witness a cardiac arrest confident in performing CPR, the installation and training for AEDs are paramount in increasing the survival rate of cardiac arrests.

AEDs can be used to treat sudden cardiac arrest by analysing a person’s heart rhythm and if needed, delivering an electric shock or defibrillation, which can help re-establish a heart’s effective rhythm.

Research shows that, on average, only about 15 per cent of people survive a cardiac arrest if it occurs outside of a hospital environment. However, if a defibrillator is used within three to five minutes of collapse, survival rates can be as high as 70 per cent.

In conjunction with installing the AEDs, all depot staff have received a ‘toolbox talk’ on using the unit. In addition, all units have been registered with the national defibrillator database to allow members of the public to access the device in case of an emergency. “Installing AEDs in all of our depots will provide an extra lifeline if someone falls ill at, or close to one of our locations. They are easy to use, with clear and easy-to-follow instructions, which anyone can use even with little training. We hope that we would never have to use them, but in case of an emergency, we are now equipped to deal with it accordingly.

Del Patterson, QHSE Manager at Star Platforms