On the 25th July 2024 we donated a defibrillator to Grant Williams, who is a passionate fitness instructor and long distance runner. He was preparing for a marathon early in March this year when he suffered a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) while jogging with a group of his friends.

(above: Grant receiving his donation outside of Rose Lane coffee shop)

Running and fitness friend Olivia, was part of the 12-mile jog on Smithdown Road when her mother, who was running beside Grant, screamed her name. Olivia then saw Grant lying on the floor and noticed his breathing had turned strange.

His fellow runners had put him in the recovery position, when incredibly a passing cyclist stopped and told them she was a doctor. Together they performed Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Grant while Olivia’s sister Laura looked around the area for publicly accessible defibrillators. One was found at a nearby Tesco while another male doctor who was passing by stopped to help.

(above: Grant and Josh during the handover event)

The defibrillator was used to shock Grant’s heart back to its normal rhythm,  and Grant was taken to Liverpool’s Broadgreen Hospital that specialises in heart conditions for further treatment and to start his road to recovery

What is Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest? (OHCA)

Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) is a life-threatening emergency that demands swift intervention. This medical condition occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, ceasing the blood flow and oxygen supply to vital organs. Time is of the essence in such situations, making awareness and rapid response critical factors in improving outcomes.

OHCA refers to the abrupt cessation of the heart's pumping function that occurs outside of a hospital or medical facility. During a cardiac arrest, the heart's electrical system malfunctions, causing an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). This leads to loss of consciousness and requires prompt treatment of Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and shock by defibrillator.

The Critical Role of Bystander CPR and defibrillation:

Bystander CPR is a crucial link in the chain of survival for individuals experiencing OHCA. Immediate CPR and the use of a defibrillator can help maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs until professional medical help arrives.

Community Awareness and Education:

Raising public awareness about the signs of cardiac arrest and the importance of swift action is paramount. Community education programs, CPR training initiatives, and public access to defibrillators contribute significantly to improving survival rates.

After his OHCA, Grant has since made a full recovery and has been reunited with his running group and the doctors that all played a huge part in saving his life.

Grant has chosen to store this donated defibrillator at Rose Lane coffee shop in Liverpool where he and his fellow runners gather before and after runs and gym sessions. A location that lacks accessible defibrillators in the community.

Grant now aims to raise as much awareness as possible on the importance of CPR and defibrillators and wants to fundraise to install more devices in and around his community along with organising training days.

We will continue to support Grant with his defibrillator supplies and knowledgeable needs.

If you would like to be in with a chance to receive a defibrillator for your local charity/community, please contact us today

defibshop are committed to equipping everyone with the skills and knowledge to save a life. Speak to one of our Product Specialists on 0161 776 7422 or fill out our Contact Form.