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The devices can save the life of a person having a sudden cardiac arrest by automatically analysing the disrupted rhythm of the heart and delivering a controlled electric shock to restore it.
Hundreds of lives are saved across the UK through the use of automated external defibrillators (AED), which are designed to be administered by people with minimal or even no training.
Health and safety ‘priority’
The defibrillators have been installed in all 10 Summit Platforms depots from Glasgow, in Scotland, to Portsmouth, in Hampshire.
Summit Platforms’ Steve Williams said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our teams and customers has always been a priority.
“More than 60,00 people a year suffer a sudden cardiac arrest, most without realising they were at risk of such an event.
“That’s why we’re pleased to have these simple and easy-to-use AEDs in all our depots. Put simply, if someone working at, or visiting, one of our sites has a cardiac arrest, these devices are likely to make the difference between life and death.”
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Pictured above, centre, Andy Smith, Yard Manager at the Summit Platforms Birmingham depot, shows off the
new defibrillator,alongside Director Andy Parker, right, and Birmingham Depot Manager Wayne Moult.
Better survival rate
According to the British Heart Foundation, less than 1 in 10 people survive a sudden cardiac arrest that occurs outside a hospital.
However, the National Institute of Healthcare Excellence says defibrillating a patient within three to five minutes of collapse can increase the chance of survival to up to 70 per cent.
It also points out, though, that less than 2% of people experiencing a cardiac arrest have an automated AED deployed before paramedics arrive.
Summit Platforms is now making sure all colleagues are aware that the AEDs are available for use.
They will be installed in a highly visible area at each depot where they can be accessed easily by anyone. Colleagues are also being asked to view a training video showing how the AEDs work.
Quick treatment
Steve Williams said: “Our depot managers and first aiders lead the process of ensuring everyone across the company is aware of the defibrillators, so they can be used quickly and effectively in case of an emergency.
“We will also be informing neighbouring businesses at each of our depot locations that the devices are available, so we can support others nearby if necessary.”
Once activated, the AEDs installed by Summit Platforms give first aid responders clear step-by-step voice instructions on how to quickly give patients the emergency treatment they need.