As well as equipping 500 Virgin Media frontline staff with mobile defibrillators in their vehicles, British Heart Foundation have helped train them in CPR and defibrillator awareness, meaning there are up to 500 Virgin Media staff ready to respond to a cardiac arrest at any one time throughout the UK.
There are more than 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests every year in the UK, and every minute without CPR or defibrillation reduces the chances of survival by up to 10 per cent, so every second counts when somebody has a cardiac arrest.
Making all the difference
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, our Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled that Virgin Media have chosen to train so many of its frontline staff in CPR, and to equip them with mobile defibrillators. When a cardiac arrest happens, prompt CPR and use of a defibrillator gives someone the best chance of survival – so having 500 potential life savers from Virgin Media could make all the difference in the ultimate medical emergency.
“This important work also highlights just how vital it is for everybody to learn CPR – and everyone to take a little time to familiarise themselves with this vital skill – you never know when you might end up needing it.”
Jeff Dodds, Chief Operating Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “With people working across our network in every corner of the country, this programme has the power to be transformative.
“The evidence and statistics around cardiac arrest is clear: CPR training saves lives which is why we’re putting into action one of the country’s largest ever training drives. Spending a small amount of time today could save somebody’s life tomorrow, so we urge everyone to learn about this important skill with information available on our website and through the British Heart Foundation.”
Saving lives
Virgin Media field technician, Morgan Sherlock, resuscitated a man having a cardiac arrest at a roadside by using his mobile defibrillator just months after his training. He said: “Taking part in the British Heart Foundation’s training scheme through work gave me the skills, confidence and equipment needed to act quickly in a crisis.
“Like many volunteers, I never expected I’d be needed in a real-life emergency, but only a few months after my training I was able to resuscitate someone who had suffered a cardiac arrest.
“Whilst I was just in the right place and the right time, my story is not uncommon. CPR and defibrillator awareness training really does save lives and, by more people taking the opportunity to learn, it has the power to save countless more.”
Ex-professional footballer, Fabrice Muamba, who had a cardiac arrest during a 2012 FA Cup match, praised the roll out and awareness drive. Muamba made a full recovery thanks to the quick use of CPR and access to a defibrillator.
Muamba added: “A cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, at any time and to anyone, regardless of your age, health or fitness level, which is why Virgin Media’s training roll out is so valuable.
“Quick access to CPR and a defibrillator is a matter of life or death, so ensuring that as many people as possible have the training and the confidence to act in a crisis is life saving and vital.”
