Surge in CPR app users after footballer Christian Eriksen suffered cardiac arrest, says ambulance service
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Developed by South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), which operates in Portsmouth and the surrounding area, the Save a Life app has seen the number of users increase by 1,300 per cent.
The app uses GPS navigation to locate the nearest automated external defibrillator, as well as a list of others in the area and a string of instructional videos.
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Hide AdCPR was thrust into the spotlight this month when Inter Milan ace Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch during his country’s clash with Finland and had immediate life-saving assistance from players and medics.
Head of community engagement and training at SCAS, Nicola Dunbar, said: ‘The shock of the incident involving Christian Eriksen and its very public nature has had such a significant impact on people across the world and we, along with all other well-wishers, were delighted to see him stabilised so quickly and now discharged.
‘The effects are clear – not just from the support Christian has received internationally – but also as far as the likes of our own organisation, where downloads of our Save a Life app rose by more than 1,000 per cent.
‘From having his own life saved, he will no doubt now save the lives of many others.’
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Hide AdMs Dunbar added that tthe swift action shown in Eriksen’s case would have the same impact on people from all walks of life.
A person’s chances of survival drop by 10 per cent for every minute that they are not receiving CPR, so a swift response is vital.
Professor Charles Deakin, divisional medical director at SCAS, said: ‘A person in cardiac arrest will not survive if they don’t receive assistance.
‘Learning how to perform CPR before you need to use it and how to use an AED – and where they are located in your area – will give someone the best chance of survival.’
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Hide AdSCAS has futher information on performing CPR and using defibrillators on its website.
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