A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. And when it does, every second matters.
Early CPR and the use of a defibrillator can dramatically improve someone’s chances of survival. Knowing how to recognise a cardiac arrest and what to do in those crucial moments could make the difference between life and death.
This Restart a Heart Day, the Sussex Heart Charity is encouraging everyone to BE READY. Whether it’s learning CPR, knowing where your nearest defibrillator is or helping to bring life-saving equipment into your community, there are lots of ways you can make a difference.
Learn CPR and become Rescue Ready
One of the most important things you can do is learn how to respond when someone experiences a cardiac arrest.
Our free Rescue Ready awareness sessions people develop the confidence and skills to recognise a cardiac arrest, perform CPR and understand how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
By giving more people the knowledge to act in an emergency, we can help create safer, more prepared communities across Sussex.
You don’t need to be a medical professional to save a life. You just need to know what to do.
Find out more about our free Rescue Ready sessions:
Know where your nearest defibrillator is
Would you know where to find your nearest defibrillator if someone collapsed with a cardiac arrest?
Taking a few moments to familiarise yourself with the location of your local AEDs could save valuable time in an emergency. It’s also worth checking when they are accessible, as some may be inside buildings with restricted opening hours.
You can use DefibFinder to locate publicly accessible defibrillators near you.
Remember, if someone is in cardiac arrest, always call 999. The emergency call handler can guide you through CPR and help you locate the nearest available defibrillator.
Help keep your community defibrillator emergency ready
Having a defibrillator in your community is important, but making sure it is registered, accessible and ready to use is just as essential.
If you’re responsible for a community defibrillator, regular checks can help ensure the equipment is ready when someone needs it.
It’s also vital to make sure your AED is registered with The Circuit, the national defibrillator network.
Only defibrillators registered with The Circuit can be located by emergency services and listed on DefibFinder, helping people find the equipment they need as quickly as possible.
Registration is simple, quick and free. If your defibrillator isn’t registered yet, take a moment to do it today. It could make a lifesaving difference.
Help bring life-saving equipment to your community
Everyone should have access to a defibrillator in their community, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Could your local area benefit from a community defibrillator? Perhaps there’s a gap in local coverage or an AED that is only accessible during certain opening hours.
The Sussex Heart Charity offers grants to help communities bring life-saving defibrillators to the places where they are needed most.
Find out how we could help your community become better equipped to respond to a cardiac emergency.
This Restart a Heart Day, BE READY ❤️
A cardiac arrest can happen without warning, but knowing how to respond can make all the difference.
Learn CPR. Know where your nearest defibrillator is. Help keep community AEDs ready for emergencies. And support efforts to make life-saving skills and equipment accessible to everyone.
You never know when someone might need your help.
Be ready. You could save a life. ❤️
