Defib Machines & Cardiac Arrest UK Collaboration

Defib Machines and Cardiac Arrest UK are teaming up to promote awareness, share resources and provide support for anyone affected by cardiac arrest.

The team at Cardiac Arrest UK go beyond helping cardiac arrest survivors. Their support extends to families, friends, and anyone that’s witnessed or been affected by sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in any way.

We’re equipping workplaces and communities with vital training, equipment and resources to tackle cardiac arrest when it strikes. 8 out of 10 cardiac arrests occur out-of-hospital – where a responsive bystander and nearby AED can be the difference between life and death.

This collaboration reflects our shared mission: to save lives and provide ongoing support for those impacted by sudden cardiac arrest. Empowering survivors, equipping heroes.

COMMON CAUSES

Cardiac causes (heart-related issues)
Lack of oxygen / asphyxiation
Electrocution
Use of drugs
Trauma or poisoning
Natural end of life

In hospital vs. out of hospital

Events are often described as occurring either in hospital or out of hospital. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests rely on bystanders to be first on scene, making public access to AEDs and trained responders critical.

WHAT CAN TRIGGER AN SCA?

Heavy alcohol consumption or binge drinking
Strenuous physical exertion without regular exercise
Recreational drugs (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana)
Excess caffeine intake, especially for non-regular coffee drinkers
Severe emotional stress
Influenza (flu) infection in the prior month

WHO IS AT HIGHER RISK?

Heart problems: CAD, arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation/long QT), structural heart disease
Age: risk increases with age
Sex: higher incidence in men overall
Race & ethnicity: some groups have higher risk
Family history: inherited electrical/conduction disorders
Other medical conditions: diabetes, electrolyte imbalance, respiratory arrest, certain medications

Empowering Survivors

Cardiac arrest survivors are a resilient bunch! Often, their survival is thanks to the selfless action of heroes, from family members to passing members of the public. Every survivor has an incredible story to tell, and the tragic fact is, out-of-hospital cardiac arrests have a fatality rate of 25-40%. We want to ensure our AEDs are always on hand to keep hearts beating.

Equipping Heroes

It takes courage and quick-thinking to respond to an SCA in the high street, shopping centre or local park. Every second counts in this situation. The people that rush to help are heroes. Through our partnership with Cardiac Arrest UK, we want to ensure heroes are always equipped with a functional defibrillator nearby.