Across the capital last year, London Ambulance Service responded to almost 14,000 people in cardiac arrest, and in the few minutes it takes for an ambulance crew to arrive at the scene, the actions of bystanders can make the difference between life and death. Without lifesaving interventions like CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) and defibrillators, the patient’s chances of survival decrease by about 10% with every passing minute.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Fenella Wrigley, said: “If a member of the public intervenes during a cardiac arrest and is able to start chest compressions straight away or use a defibrillator, the chance of survival increases significantly, and the extent of possible brain injury can also be reduced.”

To make this early intervention possible, the London Ambulance Charity funds a project, including resources and promotional materials, called London Lifesavers.

The London Lifesavers project recruits, trains and educates an ‘army of local volunteers’ for the London Ambulance Service. These neighbours, friends and family members help by being at the scene of emergencies before the ambulance arrives, providing additional care for Londoners. They are trained to use defibrillators, restarting hearts whilst in cardiac arrest before the ambulance arrives – giving individuals the best chance of survival. They are also deployed to support people in their local areas, such as ‘checking in’ on elderly people during the winter months.

It is estimated that by recruiting a strong community of London Lifesavers, and introducing an extra 4,000 public access defibrillators, 100 more lives will be saved each year across the capital.

Become a London Lifesaver