Sudden Cardiac Arrest is one of the biggest killers in Britain, and it can happen to anyone at any time and at any age.
The potential for saving a life is dependent on time; the faster medical help is administered, the better the chance of survival. This chance of survival can be significantly increased when an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used rather than CPR alone.
With this in mind and as part of the RugbySafe scheme, the RFU have linked with the Community Heartbeat Trust (CHT) to increase awareness of the use of defibrillators and how having one in your club could potentially be a life saver.
“When you read the stats about how important a defibrillator can be, you realise that every club in the country should consider having one.” Says Wayne Barnes Ambassador of the RFU-CHT Defib scheme
The CHT will provide support and guidance to clubs and schools on the selection and maintenance of defibrillators, as well as ensuring that they are appropriately registered with local ambulance services, and make sure your device is registered onto the WebNos Governance system.
More information on the RugbySafe AED scheme can be found on http://www.englandrugby.com/rugbysafe/ and http://www.communityheartbeat.org.uk/rugby-clubs-schools
Win a Defibrillator
Could your club benefit from having a defibrillator available? If, so here is an opportunity to get one!
The RFU have six Lifeline View defibrillators up for grabs. These prestigious devices were used for the Rugby World cup and junior world cup. Any club can enter by completing the online entry form and providing a brief submission on how your club would benefit from having a defibrillator. To enter, please go to: http://www.englandrugby.com/rugbysafe/playing-environment
Entries will be accepted until Sunday 19th March, with the winners announced at the end of March.
Each winning club will receive the defibrillator, a storage unit and an AED awareness session delivered by the CHT. Please note the winning clubs will be required to register the defibrillator with the the WebNos Governance system through the CHT.
If your club already has a defibrillator – is it registered with the local ambulance service and maintained properly? The CHT can support you in making sure your club’s defibrillator is in good working order and make sure it is registered onto the WebNos Governance system. Please contact: – rugby@communityheartbeat.org.uk