It’s a shocking statistic that currently, only 10% of people who collapse from a heart attack outside of hospital survive. If the heart is not restarted as soon as possible, the chances of survival plummet dramatically. Even in cases where the patient is resuscitated using conventional methods such as chest compressions, there is a significant chance of permanent damage to organs, including the brain.
Dr Ben Singer explains how by saving time, more lives can be saved:.
“For patients who have a cardiac arrest in hospital, there is a technology called Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). This effectively replaces the function of the heart and lungs, by taking blood out of the body, adding oxygen, and returning it under pressure. This has resulted in increased survival rates without brain damage. However, for a patient outside of hospital who experiences cardiac arrest, it can take between 45-60 minutes to begin this treatment, meaning the effectiveness is greatly reduced.
“The evidence suggests that if ECMO is started within 30 minutes of a collapse, the patient’s outcome is significantly improved. London's Air Ambulance Charity is working together with London Ambulance Service and Barts Health NHS Trust in a unique research collaboration to launch the Sub30 feasibility study. This study is bringing the technology to the patient, allowing ECMO to be started within 30 minutes, at the scene.
Using a combination of new equipment and specialist techniques developed over 4 years, the study is underway in the North East London area and is the first of its kind in the UK. It is with thanks to the immense generosity of our supporters that we can invest in this research and stay ahead of the curve for our patients.
Your support saves lives
We’re here for every one of the 10 million people in London, every second of every day. Thank you for playing a part in helping us to save lives.
If you would like to find out more about a specific project and how your involvement could make a lasting difference, please get in touch with Tanya Moss, Philanthropy Manager on: 020 3023 3308 or email [email protected]
