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, leading to the sudden stop of 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.
Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest 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.
SCA strikes at any time without warning and sadly, no one is immune regardless of gender, age, fitness level, ethnicity or geography. Sadly, 90-95% of people who suffer from SCA will die.
Electrolyte Imbalance: An imbalance in essential minerals like potassium, sodium, and calcium can disrupt the heart's normal functioning.
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.
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.
Understanding the causes, recognising the signs, and promoting community involvement through CPR training and defibrillator accessibility are crucial steps in enhancing survival rates. In moments of crisis, every second counts, and by collectively embracing a culture of preparedness, we can make a significant impact on saving lives threatened by Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests.
This report follows on from 2022/23 focusing on the survival rates from collapse to hospital discharge in the event of an Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest. Our 2024 report shows a big increase of registered and available defibrillators across the UK. With many areas showing a positive increase in available defibrillators per 10,000 people.
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