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National Defibrillator Programme.
The objective of the National Defibrillator Programme is to provide automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in busy public places, for example airports, railway and underground stations, coach stations, a ferry port and one shopping mall, as well as to train and retrain employees in life support techniques. Each year over 12,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest in a public place and the overall aim of the programme is to increase the proportion of people who survive to one in five.
Background to the programme
In July 1999, the White Paper, Saving Lives: Our Healthier Nation announced the Government's intention to invest £1 million in installing AEDs in busy public places. A further £1 million was then committed to training people employed at the site in their use and in basic life support.
Programme update
Since February 2000, nearly 700 AEDs have been placed at 110 locations across England and more than 6,000 volunteers have been trained in Basic Life Support skills. Current evidence suggests that 74 lives have been saved as a direct result of the work of the programme.
Saving Lives
Saving Lives is published by the Department of Health to raise awareness of the National Defibrillator Programme and its work.
National Defibrillator Programme statistics
So far 110 live sites have received 681 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and more than 6000 people have had defibrillation training.
Training in progress
Published: 21/01/2004
Ambulance services provide training at each site in the National Defibrillator Programme.
Defibrillator sites
National Defibrillator Programme: Clinical Reference Group
The Clinical Reference Group is comprised of professionals and specialists from the field of resuscitation medicine whose skills, expertise and opinions are vital to one common purpose - the interests of patients.
Frequently asked questions about the National Defibrillator Programme
Published: 10/10/2003
Questions about heart conditions and defibrillators in public places.
National Defibrillator Programme contacts
If you have any queries concerning the Defibrillator Programme please contact
Claire O'Neill, British Heart Foundation
Tel: 020 7487 7117
National Defibrillator Programme links
Published: 12/12/2003
Links and support for all those involved with the programme
Additional links
76 Lives saved
Evidence to date suggests that the National Defibrillator Programme has saved 76 lives. Last updated on 05/07/2006.
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