Why defibrillator training is more important than ever

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is among the biggest killers in the UK, taking the lives of almost 100,000 people every year. Sadly less than 1 in 10 people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital survive, the moments following a cardiac arrest are vital to give the best chance at survival.

The only way of treating cardiac arrest is using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a small device which delivers a shock to the heart in an attempt to restore a normal rhythm.

The UK has seen a significant increase in the installation of AEDs in public spaces like schools, offices, gyms, and shopping centres. However, these defibrillators are only effective if bystanders have the confidence to use them. While most modern defibrillators are designed to be user-friendly, training boosts the confidence and speed of action for a responder, which is crucial in a life-or-death situation.

There has been a national push to improve access to and awareness of defibrillators in the UK. The government, alongside organisations like the British Heart Foundation, has been working to install more defibrillators and incorporate defibrillator training in first-aid courses. Some schools in the UK have even begun adding CPR and defibrillator training to their curriculum, as part of a growing recognition that defibrillators save lives.

High-profile incidents, such as the collapse of footballer Christian Eriksen during the Euro 2020 tournament, have raised public awareness about sudden cardiac arrest, especially among athletes. The risk of cardiac arrest during sports is higher than most people realise, and sports venues in the UK are now largely equipped with defibrillators. Without training, players, coaches, and spectators may be hesitant or too slow to act.

There’s an increasing sense of public duty around health and safety. More people are recognising the importance of taking action in an emergency rather than waiting for professionals to arrive, particularly with time being such an important factor in surviving SCA.

Bystander CPR increases the chances of survival dramatically, and when combined with the use of an AED within 5 minutes of collapse survival can be as high as 74%.

With more public defibrillators available, rising awareness of sudden cardiac arrest, and a growing emphasis on public responsibility in emergencies, defibrillator training is more vital than ever in the UK. Providing widespread training ensures that more people feel confident and prepared to act quickly in life-threatening situations, potentially saving thousands of lives each year.

Imperative Training has been providing first class defibrillator training across the UK for more than two decades. Our accredited courses offer the highest standard of learning, and ensure that all learners leave with the skills, knowledge and confidence to save a life.

Contact us at 01617767420 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more.