dept education

This morning the Department for Education announced a deal for schools to purchase life-saving defibrillators to have on their premises at a reduced rate.

This new scheme will hopefully allow schools to become equipped with a life-saving device, which is the only definitive treatment against Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

 

 Currently, the statistics show that 12 young people die each week due to SCA, of these 270 will die in school each year which is why having easy access to an AED on school grounds is so vital in the process of saving a life.

 

The government has struck a deal with a reverse auction process run by NHS Supply Chain, this is where suppliers ‘bid’ for the lowest price for which they could supply defibrillator machines to schools across the country.

 

So far 500 devices have been made available at the reduced price of £686.76 (excluding VAT) for a Philips Heartstart FRx. This price not only includes the AED device, but also;

 

  • 1 x carry case
  • 1 x battery
  • Minimum of 1 x set of universal pads (as the paediatric key is used to switch the device between aduly and paediatric modes)
  • 1 x paediatric key
  • User guide/training manual/CD
  • 1 x laminated AED wall sign

 

Along with the announcement, The Department for Education released a new guide for schools on defibrillators and state; ‘Modern AEDs are inexpensive, simple to operate and safe for users.’

The guide also discuss the importance of the Chain of Survival in the rescue process and the fact that anyone is able to perform three stages of the chain, but also reminds people that the major purpose of CPR and a defibrillator is to buy time until emergency services arrive and provide professional care and attention to the patient.

Hand on Heart were lucky enough to be filmed by ITV to mark this momentous occasion, so keep your eyes peeled on this evenings news for a glimpse of us!

You can find out more via the Government for Education pages which provides additional information surround this incredible important topic.