Sudden Cardiac Arrest

If someone collapses and cannot be roused, they may have suffered a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). An SCA is an electrical malfunction of the heart causing the heart to stop pumping.

There are many reasons for SCA, not just heart attacks, but in all cases what is needed is a very fast response, because for every minute that passes the chance of survival drops by at least 10%.

Your Local Defibrillator

Stoke D’Abernon residents have a community public access defibrillator (CPAD) located in a locked yellow cabinet outside the Post Office Shop in Station Road, funded by local donations and organised by the Stoke D’Abernon Residents Association.

The Village Emergency Telephone System (VETS) rings the phones of ten local residents who have volunteered to be CPAD Helpers, these VETS helpers hold the five digit alphanumeric lock code for the defib box. One of these helpers will answer the VETS call and their phone will then be directly connected to yours. You can tell them where you are and they will collect the defibrillator, bring it to your location, and carry out de-fibrillation if necessary.

If you live in the village and don’t know our VETS phone number please contact us now leaving your name and address to request it.

Please note: helpers are volunteers who provide a ‘best endeavours’ response, there is no guarantee that a Helper will always be available to respond.

What To Do

DIAL 999 FIRST

Then phone the number to activate the Village Emergency Telephone System (VETS). Then follow these instructions:

Download the full DRSABCD Chart here to keep a copy yourself.

Compression & Breathing

• If you are unable or unwilling to give rescue breaths just do the compressions continuously
• Give 30 compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute and then give 2 breaths
  • FOR AN ADULT: Use 2 Hands & Compress 5-6cm
  • FOR A CHILD: Use 1 Hand & Compress 1/3 Chest Depth
  • FOR AN INFANT: Use 2 Fingers & Compression 1/3 Chest Depth
• Repeat 30 compressions and 2 breaths sequence.
• Continue until help arrives, you are too tired to continue, or the casualty starts breathing normally again

How To Save A Life

More Information

Remember if you live in the village and don’t know our VETS phone number please contact us now leaving your name and address to request it.

Visit https://www.communityheartbeat.org.uk/ for more information on the Community Heartbeat Trust charity.