Defibrillators are devices that restore a normal heartbeat by sending an electric pulse or shock to the heart. They are used to prevent or correct an arrhythmia, a heartbeat that is uneven or that is too slow or too fast. Defibrillators can also restore the heart’s beating if the heart suddenly stops.
In order to assist our first aiders, and protect our employees, CRJ services have funded a defibrillator which has been installed at Allostock Village Hall, which is in very close proximity to our CRJ HQ. As the unit has been installed in a public access area, and hub of the community, it will be available to support the local residents in an emergency.
Before this installation, the closest defibrillator to our HQ was a 5-7 minute drive away. This new unit can be accessed by our team, and bought back to site within 2-4 minutes.
Even this seemingly short change in distance to the defibrillator can have huge impacts on success rates in treating heart attacks. Delivering CPR and a shock within 3-5 minutes after someone has suffered a cardiac arrest increases their survival chance from 6% to 74%.
