Read on Twitter
1/8 Use of defibrillators in the community. Is it worth it?
5 years ago I wasn't so convinced but now I've changed my mind. Here's why
A short Twitter thread....
#MedTwitter #TeamGP @rcgp @k8coleman24 @DrAbdulZubairu @Trisha_the_doc @irishayesha @Mummydoc1 @DrAmirKhanGP
5 years ago I wasn't so convinced but now I've changed my mind. Here's why
A short Twitter thread....
#MedTwitter #TeamGP @rcgp @k8coleman24 @DrAbdulZubairu @Trisha_the_doc @irishayesha @Mummydoc1 @DrAmirKhanGP
2/8 I've been prompted to tweet about this after hearing some wonderful news today. A year ago @DrPaulaPowell1 and I assisted at a cardiac arrest on the beautiful but remote Isle of Lewis. David survived and posted a really moving video on FaceBook
https://twitter.com/DocRunner1/status/1273970819992096769
https://twitter.com/DocRunner1/status/1273970819992096769
3/8 David's was the 3rd community cardiac arrest I have been involved with in the last 5 years
All 3 people required defibrillation (electric shock) and all 3 were conscious and talking by the time they left the scene
But that's unusual....
All 3 people required defibrillation (electric shock) and all 3 were conscious and talking by the time they left the scene
But that's unusual....
4/8 What are the chances of surviving a community cardiac arrest? Sadly, they're pretty low:
8.6%
(Seattle) 20%
(N Holland) 21%
(Norway) 25% 
Your best chances are if you are in "shockable" rhythm but that's only about 20% of cardiac arrests say @ResusCouncilUK
8.6% (Seattle) 20% (N Holland) 21% (Norway) 25% Your best chances are if you are in "shockable" rhythm but that's only about 20% of cardiac arrests say @ResusCouncilUK
5/8 So what makes a difference to your chances?
@ResusCouncilUK say it's 4 things:
1. Early recognition and call for help
2 Early CPR
3 Early defibrillation
4 Post resuscitation care
https://www.resus.org.uk/publications/consensus-paper-on-out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest-in-england/
@ResusCouncilUK say it's 4 things:
1. Early recognition and call for help
2 Early CPR
3 Early defibrillation
4 Post resuscitation care
https://www.resus.org.uk/publications/consensus-paper-on-out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest-in-england/
6/8 In CPR is only started in 48% of out of hospital cardiac arrests
Reasons cited for not starting CPR:
Failure to recognise cardiac arrest
Not knowing what to do
Fear of causing harm/being sued
Every minute without CPR +/- defibrillation, survival chances
by 7-10% 
CPR is only started in 48% of out of hospital cardiac arrests Reasons cited for not starting CPR:
Failure to recognise cardiac arrest
Not knowing what to do
Fear of causing harm/being sued
Every minute without CPR +/- defibrillation, survival chances
by 7-10%
7/8 So what can we do?
I guess there are 2 important things to consider:
1st ask youself where are the AEDs (defibs) in my area? Do we need more? My local council, @seftoncouncil were v helpful when I asked if we could site one in my local park
Have a conversation with yours
I guess there are 2 important things to consider:
1st ask youself where are the AEDs (defibs) in my area? Do we need more? My local council, @seftoncouncil were v helpful when I asked if we could site one in my local park
Have a conversation with yours
8/8 CPR. It's really worth learning how to do it. I know it's scary but what have you got to lose? If you do nothing, the person's dead. It can't get any worse than that!
#COVID19 has changed advice on CPR. This YouTube from @ResusCouncilUK is helpful;
#COVID19 has changed advice on CPR. This YouTube from @ResusCouncilUK is helpful;
