Fantastic to see Breakfast on BBC1 this morning highlighting the importance of First Aid training so that individuals are able to give CPR and use a Defibrillator in the event of a Cardiac Arrest.
Dr Andrew Deaner, Cardiologist was a spectator at the match when Fabrice Muamba collapsed, he ran onto the pitch and adminster CPR/Defibrilation immediately. This undoubtedly saved Fabrice’s life and without these quick actions it may have been a very different story.
Dr Deaner did not talk about his expertise as a Cardiologist in his interview as during those minutes on the pitch he did not need them, he referred throughout his interview to how important First Aid skills are in a scenario like this and how the actions of any member of the public who has the necessary training can have the same impact.
In First Aid we teach about the ‘Chain of Survival’ and the crucial part First Aiders play in the first 5-7 minutes of any major incident.
Our actions as First Aiders really can be the difference between life and death, they do significantly increase a casualties chance of making it into an ambulance to receive the necessary post-resuscitation care for recovery so please do not under-estimate how important it is to acquire or update these skills.
Please make this training your #priority as you really do never know when you may need it. Hopefully, you never will but better to be prepared I say!