NEWS: High Royds to have two potentially life-saving heart machines installed on site

Leeds City Council will be installing two defibrillator machines on High Royds. The locations are:

Barden House – front of block (entrance area) 2 Norwood Drive

2-12 Kingsdale Drive – rear of block above the mailboxes.

The council has also provided the following information:

“Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is a significant public health issue within Leeds. It is the largest cause of premature death, with very low survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Defibrillator machines have been identified as the most important development in the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest. Research shows the following survival rates when used within set times:

•            3 mins – 70% survival rate

•            5 mins – 50% survival rate

•            8 mins – 20% survival rate

Figures show that less than 1 in 10 people in the UK survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest mainly due to the low numbers of public access defibrillators in the community.

This is why we encourage the installation of Community Public Access Defibrillators in our communities, particularly where access to hospitals is more limited.

Our recent citywide programme of work around defibrillators has improved access to these resources. Feedback from installations also show that where installations take place, we see increased community cohesion, and a sense of safety having the devices to hand in an emergency.

There is information online about defibrillators. One good source is the Resuscitation Council Restart A Heart Day | Resuscitation Council UK, as well as The Circuit The Circuit – the national defibrillator network.“

Who can operate a defibrillator?

The British Heart Foundation website says: “Anyone can use a defibrillator and you don’t need training. Once you turn it on, it will give clear instructions on how to attach the defibrillator pads. The device checks the heart rhythm and will only tell you to shock if it’s needed. You can’t shock someone accidentally.”

Other advice online says you should not use a defibrillator if someone is lying in water or a conductive surface, over a medical patch or for young/small children, or those with a pacemaker.

People need to use common sense and follow the instructions.