UK-first scheme to cut cardiac arrests unveiled by East of England ambulance trust
People who call 999 with a suspected cardiac arrest will get access to specialist care thanks to a scheme piloting video support.
East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) have teamed up for the scheme – and what’s more, it’s a first for the UK.
It will provide callers with access to specialist care during the most crucial minutes of a cardiac arrest. During the 999 call, advanced paramedics in the ambulance control room will contact bystanders via the GoodSAM video platform.
They will assess the situation visually and deliver patient-specific advice and expert guidance on providing CPR until the ambulance crew arrives.
This life-saving project is supported by the East of England Ambulance Service Charity – and has been made possible by a £142,000 Community Resilience Grants Fund from NHS Charities Together, thanks to a partnership with Omaze.
The pilot – based on a programme in Denmark – will be based at EEAST’s emergency operations centre. It will run four days a week, 7am to 7pm, starting later this year.
Dr Simon Walsh, medical director for EEAST, said: “Each year, EEAST 's crews carry out resuscitation on around 3,500 patients. We can restart over 1,000 of those patient’s hearts.
“However, nationally, the chances of surviving a cardiac arrest in the community long enough to be discharged from hospital is only one in 10.
“Providing CPR as soon as possible is a massive part in improving the chances of survival. This scheme will help bystanders keep patients alive during those vital minutes when our ambulances are on their way.”