One of the objectives that we have set ourselves, with the volunteering of our association, is continuous training. In addition to stimulating future volunteers … it is necessary to train within the organization.
We have read an article in the local press, the content of which is most interesting, for us as volunteers of an association of heart patients.
HEART: Experts believe that the implantation of defibrillators in public areas is a “priority”. Every year there are more than 24,000 cardiac arrests in Spain. In a significant percentage of cases, these occur outside hospitals, a fundamental aspect since, at present, only one in 20 people survives sudden cardiac arrest when it occurs outside the hospital. Time is the greatest enemy of survival in these cases.
In this sense, rapid access to defibrillation (the only effective intervention that exists to treat cardiac arrest) could increase the chances of survival in 3 out of 4 cases of sudden cardiac arrest. However, due to various factors, such as congested streets, remote workplaces, etc., traditional emergency services are often unable to reach victims in the first 10 minutes. On the other hand, the ignorance of the Spanish population about such an important health problem is worrying, says Dr. Juan B. López Messa, president of the Spanish Council for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
With the aim of establishing guidelines for the implantation and use of defibrillators in Spain, the Gaspar Casal Foundation, with the advice and supervision of the Spanish Council for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and the support of Philips, has carried out the study “The implantation of defibrillators in public areas ”: protocols for use and recommendations. I think the content of the article is self-explanatory. At Aencoal, as volunteers in an association for heart patients, we understand that we must be trained in this matter …, which will even be installed in public places in the future.
Once duly trained in this matter, it would be convenient to provide our association with one of these devices, so useful and necessary…, in order to continue training as many people as possible. While waiting for your comments on this matter, I take the opportunity to send you a cordial greeting.