Three CHP sites across London have received defibrillators. CHP have worked in partnership with LIFTCo partners in the area to bring vital life-saving equipment closer to the communities that need them.
The defibrillators are housed in specially designed enclosures that were installed on external walls at each Health Centre within agreed locations to allow easy access and visibility.
Defibrillators save lives
Defibrillators, also known as Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), are electronic devices designed to administer a shock to a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest; giving a jolt to the heart helps get the heart beating again. A defibrillator is a device that is simple to use and that can save the life of someone in cardiac arrest when their heart has stopped.
Early defibrillation survival rates decrease quickly after someone goes into cardiac arrest, so it is vital that defibrillation occurs as soon as possible. If defibrillation occurs within 5 minutes of cardiac arrest, the person has a survival chance of 50 – 70%. This decreases by 10% for every minute they are in cardiac arrest.
Anyone can use a defibrillator; you do not need special training as once you turn it on, the machine gives clear step-by-step instructions. Modern defibrillators are designed to be user-friendly, allowing members of the public to operate them effectively.
Providing defibrillators in the heart of local communities
The three sites, Vicarage Lane Health Centre, Eltham Community Hospital and Evergreen Health Centre are all in buildings that act as hubs within their community. Defibrillators were sourced by CHP at Vicarage Lane and Eltham Community Hospital with installation and parts supported by Infracare in East London and South East London alongside Bellrock Facilities Management.
CHP fully funded the defibrillator at Evergreen Medical Centre further showing their commitment as an organisation to helping local communities and making our buildings not only places for healthcare provision, but hubs within the local area.
Providing defibrillators at CHP buildings in the heart of local communities
As an organisation, CHP supports the roll out of defibrillators, across our healthcare buildings which are in the heart of their local communities.
Defibrillators save lives. When a member of the public rings 999 the call handlers can direct them to the nearest defibrillator.
It is always fantastic to be working with our LIFTCo partners to place life-saving equipment in the heart of our communities. At CHP, we it is our aim to make our buildings not only places to receive healthcare but hubs in areas of high health need. The defibrillator installations are a testament to our shared commitment to the health and wellbeing of those we serve within London.
Infracare East and South East London Ltd are proud to have facilitated the installation of these essential, life-saving defibrillators. It's gratifying to see them in place, benefiting both the local community and the visitors to the health centres.
Find out more about Buildings at the Heart of the Community
CHP’s Buildings at the Heart of the Community initiative aims to encourage local community groups and charities to make the most of our buildings by enabling the use of space in our centres to host health and wellbeing related events.
