Publicly available defibrillators are put to use in just a small proportion of cardiac arrests that occur outside hospital, according to a new study.
New research from the East of England Ambulance Service shows they are used only 10% of the time even though they are available.
Researchers from the national defibrillator network developed by the British Heart Foundation, called the Circuit, also took part in the project.
They analysed information recorded on 1,649 cardiac arrests that occurred in the East of England over six-months, of which 79% took place within 500m of a public access defibrillator. However, the defibrillator was used in only one in ten cases.
Details of the study were presented at the British Cardiovascular Society in Manchester on Monday.
It also showed that the most deprived area in the East of England, Luton, had the least defibrillators – 16 per 100,000 people, compared with the average of 72.
Researcher Dr Thomas Keeble said: “Our study highlights strikingly low numbers of publicly available defibrillators being used in the event of a cardiac arrest in the east of England area, which suggests that much more needs to be done to promote awareness and education around CPR and defibrillation.
“It is also concerning to see far fewer defibrillators in the most deprived areas – such a finding should prompt further discussion about more consistent and effective placement of defibrillators in communities.”
Judy O’Sullivan of the British Heart Foundation added: “Prompt CPR and defibrillation from bystanders can be the difference between life and death, so it is concerning to see low rates of defib use.
“More needs to be done to encourage people to use these life saving devices when they are available.”
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