Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a serious medical emergency in which the heart suddenly ceases the ability to effectively pump blood around the body. Awareness of SCA has increased recently, thanks in part to high profile cases involving sportspeople such as Christian Eriksen and Damar Hamlin.

These cases are, for many, the first time they have heard about sudden cardiac arrest. Elite athletes suffering SCA in a stadium full of people is a traumatic event for all involved and makes front page news.

Why is such a dangerous medical emergency happening to athletes who are among the fittest in society?

In recent years, defibrillators have become increasingly available to the public in the UK. These life-saving devices can now regularly be seen in public places such as restaurants, gyms, supermarkets and train stations.

Figures from defibshop’s Cardiac Coverage report show that the number of defibrillators per 10,000 people in the UK has risen from 4.17 in 2021 to 13.71 in 2024. Despite this, many less affluent areas are still below the national average for number of defibrillators, and survival rates for Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) in these areas are lower as a consequence.

In the UK, it is a legal requirement for businesses to take reasonable steps to protect their employees. This includes implementing a first aid policy, and having a number of trained first aiders in the building - the number depends on the amount of staff at the business.

As well as complying with the law, sending team members on a first aid course helps protect the safety of your staff - but which first aid course should you choose?

As we enjoy the longer days in the British sunshine, some of us will be venturing to music festivals up and down the country. Celebrations like Glastonbury, Creamfields, Reading and Leeds will attract thousands of music fans from across the UK.

Festivals are a time to have fun, and it’s important to remember key safety tips to ensure that you keep yourself and those around you safe and healthy this summer.

Imperative Training has compiled some tips to help you keep safe this Festival Season.