Ten potentially lifesaving portable defibrillators are being positioned around the University’s campuses for use by students, staff and the public in the case of a medical emergency.
The IPADS (Intelligent Public Access Defibrillators) will be placed at key locations around the Highfield, Avenue and new Boldrewood campuses, as well as the Winchester School of Arts.
External defibrillators can be used to shock an arrested heart back into rhythm before the arrival of an ambulance. They don’t require any specialist expertise and can be used by anyone—which is particularly important, as evidence shows they can triple the chances of survival.
The new devices use audio instructions to talk users through the process of safely delivering electric shocks with the touch of a button. Pads attach to the chest to measure heart rate and the device informs users of when to administer CPR (with the aid of a built-in metronome) and when a shock is needed.
One of the defibrillators will be positioned outside of university buildings, at the bus interchange on Highfield Campus. When buildings are closed, Emergency services will direct nearby 999 callers to this device, which is stored at a controlled temperature with hardwired lighting, so that members of the public can use it as they wait for an ambulance to arrive.
Every minute of delay in administering resuscitation increases the risk of death after a heart attack by between seven percent and ten percent.
The University of Southampton’s Professor Charles Deakin recently carried out a study highlighting the need for greater public access to defibrillators in Hampshire.
“Sudden cardiac arrest can happen unexpectedly to anyone and the use of a public access defibrillator greatly increases the chances of survival if available in the seconds before an ambulance arrives,” says Professor Deakin. “They are very straightforward and safe to use and involve no more than applying sticky pads to the patient’s chest and pressing the ‘start’ button.
“The University of Southampton is to be commended in its decision to install ten defibrillators across the campuses which will undoubtedly be used, and in time, save lives. They are setting a standard to which all public institutions should aspire.”
Despite the easy to operate nature of the portable defibrillators, first aiders at the University will be given training to familiarise themselves with the devices.
Dr Andrew J White, Head of Safety & Occupational Health at the University of Southampton, said: “These defibrillators could save the life of a student, a member of staff or a visitor. They monitor the casualty’s heart and only administer shocks when necessary. This is welcome additional protection for everyone’s health and welfare.”
Please see further information and the demonstration video on the Safety & Occupational Health website.