Research shows that most cases of cardiac arrests occur in the community. This unfortunate fact highlights the importance of early recognition and knowledge of bystander CPR.
Bystander CPR makes a huge difference to survival rates for people who have cardiac arrests. A study done in Norway showed that survival rates went from 18% to 25% - this was largely attributed to bystander CPR and early defibrillation.
A further study, called ‘EuReCa Two’, looked at data from more than 37,000 cardiac arrests across 28 different European countries. The results showed that people who didn’t receive CPR from a bystander only had a 4.3% survival rate. If a bystander gave CPR, the survival rate more than doubled to 9.1 %. The stark difference illustrates just how crucial it is that the general public feel comfortable and confident in delivering CPR.
Dr Ballal Seddique began delivering sessions on Basic Life Support to leisure centres in the borough in February 2024. So far, all the enthusiastic and engaged trainees have rated the delivery as excellent.
Dr Seddique confirmed that Bystander CPR and early defibrillation has been a real focus in the sessions that he delivers.
He said: “Most recently in May, I had the pleasure of teaching Basic Life Support to the staff at KO Combat Academy, a mixed martial arts gym in Bethnal Green. The gym does some wonderful work for the community, including children’s sessions, women’s self-defence and free training for people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction.
“It was a really positive experience, with eight attendees who were incredibly engaged and invested in the teaching.
"I look forward to working with more gyms and local community groups to deliver Basic Life Support.”
