Two runners survive cardiac arrest within weeks of each other thanks to same defibrillator

Two runners have narrowly escaped death after suffering sudden cardiac arrests within weeks of each other, thanks to the use of the same defibrillator. Malcolm Hughes, aged 64, from Linlithgow, collapsed and stopped breathing during a relay race on Glasgow Green in March this year. A nearby defibrillator, located just 200 meters away, was used to restart his heart. Similarly, in April, Stephen Lappin, aged 59, from Glasgow, experienced a cardiac arrest during a lunchtime run in the park and was saved by the same defibrillator.

Both incidents saw members of the public calling 999, with emergency services directing them to the nearest defibrillator registered on The Circuit – a national network that aids in locating and guiding callers to these life-saving devices. With over 98,000 defibrillators registered on The Circuit across the UK, there is a concern about uneven distribution among deprived communities, leading to potential delays in response times during out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

The British Heart Foundation highlighted the importance of registering defibrillators to ensure their availability in emergencies. Both Malcolm and Stephen are urging organisations with defibrillators to register them publicly, emphasizing the critical role played by the quick access to the defibrillator in saving their lives. Following their incidents, both runners have been fitted with ICDs (implantable cardioverter defibrillators) for additional protection in case of another cardiac arrest.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are a significant concern in Scotland, with around 3,200 occurrences annually and a survival rate of less than 10%. The timely administration of CPR and defibrillation is crucial in improving survival chances, making the registration and visibility of defibrillators vital for public safety. Dr. Rebecca Toal, the ‘defibrillator guardian’ overseeing the equipment, expressed the emotional impact of knowing that the defibrillator had saved two lives, emphasizing the simplicity and lifesaving potential of registering these devices.

The significance of registering defibrillators to enhance emergency response and save lives cannot be overstated. The personal experiences of Malcolm and Stephen underscore the critical role played by these devices in ensuring swift intervention during cardiac emergencies. Public awareness and proactive registration of defibrillators are essential steps towards creating safer communities and improving outcomes for individuals facing sudden cardiac arrests.