‘Encouraging children to take part in sports from a young age is a great way to instil and inspire confidence and a healthy competitive nature amongst their peers.’

We recently caught up with our Brand Ambassador, Olympic athlete Zoe Gillings-Brier during one of her Mitsubishi’s UK Ski and Snowboarding Talent ID events at Manchester’s Chill Factore where she shared her thoughts on defibrillators being placed in schools and why they are important.

Being able to participate in sports safely and with the right health and safety equipment in schools is essential and having a well stocked first aid kit and a defibrillator present ensures that children are as protected as they can be at school.

‘Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can affect anyone, no matter of age, gender, ethnicity or fitness level.’

‘So being as prepared as possible to help someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest is key, this means having a defibrillator and first aid kit on site and CPR/AED training is ideal.’

When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, the chain of survival is the most important procedure to stick to. Immediate access is imperative, for every passing minute without treatment a patient loses 10% of their survival chances.

If a defibrillator is used and CPR is performed within 3-5 minutes, survival chances increase from 6% to 74%. If treatment is provided within 60 seconds, survival chances reach 90%.

And whilst it is essential that treatment is provided quickly, having the knowledge to perform chest compressions and rescue breaths correctly is invaluable in the immediate and stressful moments following a cardiac arrest.

And even though a defibrillator can coach any untrained user through the rescue process with clear and concise visual and verbal prompts, any prior training or knowledge of the unit and the rescue process could make all the difference.

‘Children are vulnerable to cardiac arrest just as much as anyone else and at school they are also vulnerable to commotio cordis which can occur during the playing of sports. But having a defibrillator in schools also protects the teachers and staff as well.’

‘Me and the team have a defibrillator with us at all times during training and everyday life now. We have an AED with us today and we have added some paediatric pads too in the event of one of the children suffering a cardiac arrest.’

Commotio cordis primarily affects young children due to their developing hearts and a softer chest wall which is still growing and strengthening during their early years. It can occur when an object strikes a sharp blow to child’s chest or can be as simple as bumping into something or someone.

Currently in the UK, 270 children suffer cardiac arrests in school whilst 12 people under the age of 35 die every week due to a sudden cardiac arrest.

‘Playing sports in schools, which should be actively encouraged from an early age, can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest amongst children.’

‘And no matter how small that risk might be, having a defibrillator there ensures that you, the school, have paid due diligence and provided the very best equipment available for a cardiac emergency.’

The use of a defibrillator and the immediate administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the only form of treatment for someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest.

For more information on defibrillators, cardiac arrest, your heart and everything in between, defibshop.co.uk has all answers you’re looking for. With over 11 years worth of experience working within the defibrillator industry, they’ll offer friendly, impartial advice to help you find the right defibrillator to suit your requirements, budget and training level.