More than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur each year, but 41 per cent of Britons would not feel safe enough to perform CPR.
The startling statistics emerging as the country prepares for the biggest strike in the history of the NHS highlight how important it can be for first responders to know the essential steps to save a life.
In fact, about 80 percent of the time cardiac arrests occur at home, which means the first responder is likely to be a family member or friend.
Former England footballer and manager Glenn Hoddle, who suffered a cardiac arrest while filming for BT Sport on his 61st birthday in 2018, has reiterated the importance of knowing how to save a life.
The Tottenham legend previously revealed he “died for 60 seconds” when his heart stopped before sound engineer Simon Daniels rushed to his rescue, breaking seven ribs as he frantically beat his chest to try to revive him .
With NHS workers on strike, knowing how to save a life has never been more important
Former England footballer Glenn Hoddle survived cardiac arrest on his 61st birthday after a BT Sport sound engineer resuscitated him
Speaking to MailOnline about the latest revelations from health and wellness brand Beurer, Hoddle said: “Even when you’re fit, you have to keep calm. It could be someone close to you, like your family.
“CPR is so important. You are in cardiac arrest for three minutes, I discovered.
“Simon Daniels stepped in and saved my life at BT studios, so I went through it, I went through it.
“The only real reason I’m still sitting here talking to you is because of his training in CPR and the amazing job he did for me in those early moments.”
Shockingly, around 11 per cent of Britons would not be confident in carrying out CPR – and nearly a third (30 per cent) had never learned life-saving skills.
The study, which collected responses from 2,019 people (1,010 employees and 1,009 members of the public), found that 66 percent believed they could perform a life-saving act, but 34 percent would suffer a loss as a result of feelings of fear, anxiety and nervousness.
Hoddle urged those eager not to be afraid to be forceful if they ever have to perform CPR.
“When Simon did CPR on me, he broke seven ribs,” explained Hoddle. “It shows how much strength it takes… a few broken ribs are nothing compared to your life. I don’t think people know how strong you have to be, don’t hold anything back.’
Hoddle emotionally shared that he is alive today because BT Sport engineer Simon Daniels taught him how to perform CPR
Britons should be prepared for ambulance workers to strike over pay disputes
Britons are preparing for paramedics to take industrial action across England and Wales in February and March.
With that in mind, Hoddle believes knowing how to perform CPR is even more important, and he talked about the importance of technology in helping people who aren’t sure they can save a life.
“It gives them a chance,” he said. “It doesn’t always mean you’re as lucky as I am, but it does give them a chance.”
Only one in 10 people who have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survive – and only one in 20 make it home alive.
When he was asked if it made him even more grateful that Mr. Daniels knew how to perform CPR, Hoddle replied: “Absolutely. It’s great. I didn’t know any of these things until after I spoke to Simon and the doctors. It was unbelievable how lucky I was.
“The CPR he did on me gave me a chance to save my life and then the doctors took over. The statistics are really scary.”
How do you do CPR?
Step 1
If an adult appears unconscious, gently shake their shoulders and ask aloud if everything is okay.
step 2
If the person is not breathing or not breathing normally, have someone call 999 and ask someone to find a public defibrillator (PAD).
Call 999 yourself when no one is around. On-call personnel provide instructions on how to perform CPR.
step 3
Start with chest compressions.
Kneel next to the victim and place the heel of your hand on the center of their chest. Place the other hand on top of the first and interlace your fingers.
Keeping your arms straight, use the heel of your hand to press firmly between your sternum—about 5 to 6 cm—and release.
Do this at a rate of 100 to 120 chest compressions per minute – about two per second.
Songs like the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive,” Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger,” and the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe” all have 100 to 120 beats per minute, so doctors recommend scaling to these numbers when performing CPR think.
step 4
Continue to provide chest compressions until 999 crew members arrive on site and take over whether the person regains consciousness – by coughing, opening their eyes, talking or breathing normally.
If someone is around, this can be done in turns.
step 5
If a defibrillator is found, turn it on and follow the instructions.
The machine will detect if a shock is needed. Some devices deliver a shock without prompting, while others indicate whether a shock must be pressed to deliver it.
rescue ventilation
During chest compressions, breathe when comfortable.
The British Heart Association says CPR without mouth-to-mouth breathing is still very effective at keeping the heart pumping.
To give rescue breaths, gently tilt the person’s head back and lift their chin with two fingers.
Push her nose. Close your mouth over hers and blow hard for a second. do it twice
Then pump your chest and count to 30 before taking two more breaths.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
