London Ambulance Service is calling on people to step in to save a life as figures are released which show less than half of Londoners would help a stranger in cardiac arrest.
Figures released, by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and St John Ambulance show that just 49% of people in London would give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a stranger.
The report cites possible reasons including ‘busyness bias’ and ‘stranger danger’ as barriers to bystanders intervening.
London Ambulance Service is calling on all Londoners to have the confidence to step in and be a life saver – and to get life support training so they can be confident to do so.
Chris Hartley-Sharpe, Head of First Responders at London Ambulance Service told HAREFIELD RADIO:
“When a person goes into cardiac arrest, every second counts. It is vital to start chest compressions straight away and use a defibrillator where one is available.
While our medics respond very quickly to cardiac arrest calls, the prompt intervention of passers-by can make all the difference.
We know that some members of the public can be afraid to step in – sometimes for fear of ‘making the situation worse’. Our message to Londoners is that you can’t make the situation worse as a person in cardiac arrest is clinically dead – but you can give them a chance at survival.”
Despite common misconceptions, people don’t need medical training to perform CPR and to use a defibrillator. However, receiving basic first aid training often improves confidence – making people more likely to step in, so the Service is encouraging people to seek training.
Cardiac arrest happens when the heart stops pumping blood round the body.
