West Sussex cardiac arrest survivor calls for more defibrillators
There are currently fewer devices in less affluent communities
Last updated 25th Apr 2024
A shocking new report highlights CPR training disparities based on ethnicity and deprivation, risking thousands of lives.
The Resuscitation Council UK has found 56% of people from ethnic minorities don't have access to one, compared to 31% in predominantly white areas. Additionally, 44% of the most deprived areas lack defibs. Ethnic minorities also face barriers to CPR training, with only 22% trained in the last decade, compared to 41% of the population. Many lack knowledge of CPR and defib use, and 70% don't know where the nearest defib is. The report suggests teaching CPR in driving tests to ensure wider access to lifesaving skills.
Sam Mangoro from Worthing collapsed during a PE lesson whilst he was a pupil at Mountbatten School in Romsey. He was saved by quick actions and a series of fortunate events. A teacher recognized the emergency, started CPR, and used a recently installed defibrillator. Professor Charles Deakin, from the Resuscitation Council UK, also helped stabilize him.
Sam survived, despite a previous cardiac arrest as a baby. He now advocates for CPR training and has an Implantable cardioverter defibrillator to prevent future incidents.
Today, Sam has made thousands of people aware of the dangers of unknown heart issues and the importance of life-saving skills and devices. The ‘All Heart’ campaign has already raised around £3,500 and placed two defibrillators in schools - but there’s far more work to be done, according to Sam.
“For me, it doesn’t stop there. I’ve met far too many people in the past 18 months who have very opposite stories to mine, stories that did not end so well, and they are campaigning because they’ve lost loved ones due to cardiac arrest. Because of that, I will keep campaigning until these statistics change and more lives are saved.”