Neighbourhoods in need of life-saving defibrillators
New data from London Ambulance Service reveals the 150 neighbourhoods across the capital in greatest need of life-saving defibrillators.
When someone suffers a cardiac arrest – which is when the heart stops beating – the use of a defibrillator gives them the best chance of surviving. But new analysis from London Ambulance shows 21 neighbourhoods where there is no access to a defibrillator, and 129 neighbourhoods where there is limited access for the population nearby.
The stark data also shows that households in deprived areas are more likely to be in one of these 150 areas, with one central London borough having six times more defibrillators than those in some poorer neighbourhoods.
The publication of the new data marks the start of a new fundraising campaign to fund and maintain additional defibrillators in the 150 communities where they are needed most. Known as London Heart Starters, the campaign aims to build on the successes of ongoing London Ambulance initiatives to improve cardiac arrest survival rates in London. This includes the London Lifesavers programme which provides free CPR and defibrillator training and has committed to training a generation of year eight school children in these life-saving skills.
“You never know when you might have to step in and help someone you love at home or in your community,” Jess Burgess, Head of Charity Development at London Ambulance Charity, said. “A public-access defibrillator and cabinet costs £1,600, but every penny raised in this new campaign will go to funding this life-saving equipment in priority areas. A gift to the London Heart Starters campaign is a gift of life to Londoners of all ages, races, ethnicities, and genders. It could also be the gift to the people you love and an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the health of the capital.
“I would urge all Londoners to try and get involved, whether that’s taking part in our first ever fundraising walk, the London Life Hike on Sunday 8 September – enjoying a family-friendly 5k loop or a more challenging 20k walk past the iconic landmarks of the city. You can also simply donate to our Charity to fund training and defibrillators in places they are most needed, or by signing up to learn these life-saving skills for themselves.
Visit the charity website to register for the London Life Hike, or email the charity team at londamb.lascharity@nhs.net for more information.
