With front-line health service under considerable pressure in light of COVID-19, Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Senedd, has called on the Welsh Government to help increase the number of defibrillators in communities across Wales. Commenting on her campaign, Janet said:
“Every second counts when someone is having a cardiac arrest.
“We are fortunate that Welsh Hearts has placed over 2,000 defibrillators across Wales, and that Calon y Dyffryn is working towards getting CPR trained lifesavers and defibrillators in every community in the North.
“I agree with the ambition, and think that there is a greater need for the Welsh Government to support the rollout of defibrillators now than ever before.
“With front-line services focused on COVID-19, and so many of us working from our homes and away from major urban areas, there is a need to continue to improve access to defibrillators during this national health crisis.
“As one charity has advised me, the virus attacks all of the major organs of the body including the heart, so we need to keep defibrillators on the agenda and for the Welsh Government not to take their figure off the pulse”.
ENDS
Written Assembly Question:
Will the Minister consider supporting an increase in the number of heart defibrillators situated in communities at this time of a national health crisis?
Response by the Minister for Health and Social Services:
Through the implementation of the Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Plan, the Welsh Government is committed to increasing the number of people who survive a cardiac arrest outside a hospital environment. I am grateful to the various organisations which have already helped increase the number of defibrillators in communities across Wales as well as supported training in their effective use. Their commitment has undoubtedly saved lives.
COVID-19 does not really increase the need for more defibrillation to be provided in the community. However, I want to assure you that emergency care is continuing to be provided to all those who require it and protocols are in place to enable a swift response to a life threatening cardiac arrest in the community.
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