University of Gloucestershire paramedical science student Lucy Vincent claims basic life support training can “double chances of survival” after medical emergency halts Premier League clash.
The game between Newcastle and Tottenham on Sunday afternoon was suspended in the 40th minute when referee Andre Marriner was alerted of a fan in need of assistance in the stands.
Vincent weighed in on the topic, adding “in the first three minutes of collapsing the survival rate is 74% which is quite high, after the initial three minutes the survival rate drops down to 49% which is obviously very low, you’ve got less than a 50-50 chance”.
Following the 20-minute delay at St James’ Park, the incident has raised debate regarding the public’s training and understanding of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and how to use a defibrillator. Vincent, studying in her first year at university, believes it is vital that more people know the importance of life support.
“Early CPR is very important because if someone is suffering from chest pains, 21-30% of them with a minor cardio ischemia suffer a cardiac arrest in the first hour, the survival rate is very small.
“Every minute after the three minutes that CPR is not in progress the rate drops 10-12%. That per minute is quite a high amount.”
Despite the importance of emergency CPR and the scientific data behind defibrillators, there are still no legal requirements for employers to provide them in the workplace. Although, there has been a rise in Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) which can be used by members of the public without previous training.
Vincent, who is training to become a paramedic, revealed the true importance of life support training for everyone.
“Basic life support is so important to be carried out in public. Early CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival. This is why people need to be educated in how to do CPR and how to use defibrillators.”
