Help save a fellow Londoner’s life
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705 Londoners have responded | 16/10/2023 - 17/03/2024

Did you know that 87% of cardiac arrests (when a person’s heart stops beating) happen outside of hospital?
Maximising the number of defibrillators across London will help people increase their chances of surviving a cardiac arrest.
A defibrillator is a device that gives an electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest.
On 16 October 2023 - World Restart a Heart day - the Mayor announced that all London Underground and Overground stations now have public defibrillators.
City Hall’s Health policy team wants to know if Londoners will feel confident enough to use these new defibrillators if they see a person in cardiac arrest. Astrid, Anmol and Kay from the team will be reading your contributions and signposting to lifesaving training and resources.
We want to hear from you:
- Would you feel confident using a defibrillator if you see someone having a cardiac arrest? Why or why not?
- What might hold you back from using a defibrillator?
- Where in your local area or community have you seen a defib? What kind of places would you like to see more defibs?
- What, if anything, would encourage you to sign-up to a free course on using defibrillators and lifesaving skills?
- What do you think might help raise awareness of these new defibrillators and empower people to use them?
Tell us more in the discussion below.
The discussion ran from 16 October 2023 - 17 March 2024
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Log into your accountKindness58
Community Member 1 year agoI’m not trying to duck this but wouldn’t it be most effective to ensure that most TFL staff have regular training?
Show full commentHaving said that, I’d be interested in face to face training with a dummy. It’s not effective just to read about it on the...
I’m not trying to duck this but wouldn’t it be most effective to ensure that most TFL staff have regular training?
Show less of commentHaving said that, I’d be interested in face to face training with a dummy. It’s not effective just to read about it on the ‘net.
nmkwestminster
Community Member 1 year agoIt’s a long time since I had CPR training and no training in the use of a defibrillator. More public reminders and visibility of defibrillators would probably encourage me to look up the internet for instruction. However, nothing better...
Show full commentIt’s a long time since I had CPR training and no training in the use of a defibrillator. More public reminders and visibility of defibrillators would probably encourage me to look up the internet for instruction. However, nothing better than face to face in-person training. Perhaps available at sports centres, schools and colleges
Show less of commentCCloud
Community Member 1 year agoI've seen defibrillators in my area (Old St). It might be helpful if there's a clear visual in cartoon form next to them that shows how to use them. Even if you're just passing by, you might read this and use it at some other point.
I could...
Show full commentI've seen defibrillators in my area (Old St). It might be helpful if there's a clear visual in cartoon form next to them that shows how to use them. Even if you're just passing by, you might read this and use it at some other point.
I could imagine posters at bus stops too, and on the tube, explaining how they work. These are places where people pause to look and read. A link to a short YouTube video might help too if people are curious or want to see the equipment in action.
I'm newly aware of this because just a week ago someone in my choir keeled over without warning. He was having a heart attack and two choir members who knew how to do CPR saved his life. That meant in practice twenty minutes of pounding his chest. I wouldn't have felt confident to do that or even to know when to stop, but I now realise it's a skill that more of us need.
Show less of commentSuziQpid
Community Member 1 year agogoldfishgirl
Community Member 1 year agoLike others I would be afraid to use a defibrillator without any training when I've never even seen one being used.
A course would be ideal but could there be a video tutorial with the basics made and posted somewhere available to the...
Show full commentLike others I would be afraid to use a defibrillator without any training when I've never even seen one being used.
A course would be ideal but could there be a video tutorial with the basics made and posted somewhere available to the majority (or even shown on TV after local news?)
Show less of commentJimHarrow
Community Member 1 year agoI was trained in CPR 50 yrs ago and I have had experience of using it. However, I feel rusty now and might hesitate. I have no dea how to use a defibrelator and would be worried I might use it wrong and damage someone. My supermarket has...
Show full commentI was trained in CPR 50 yrs ago and I have had experience of using it. However, I feel rusty now and might hesitate. I have no dea how to use a defibrelator and would be worried I might use it wrong and damage someone. My supermarket has one outside. They should be in places open most of the time and maintained. Is vandalism a problem.
Show less of commentasifbaakza
Community Member 1 year agoI do not know how to use a defibrillator. I would want to be trained so I can be effective when time is precious. How can I be trained, and where would I find a defibrillator to use if the need arose?
K1300
Community Member 1 year agoI do not believe the travelling public are competent to administer first aid on TfL networks. It is not our responsibility to deal with cardiac arrest or indeed TfL. Your role is to operate transport services only. This is a solution...
Show full commentI do not believe the travelling public are competent to administer first aid on TfL networks. It is not our responsibility to deal with cardiac arrest or indeed TfL. Your role is to operate transport services only. This is a solution looking for a problem . I do wish you focus on transport reliability figures and leave medical issues to medics/para-medics.
Show less of commentCCloud
Community Member 1 year agoI understand this thinking but my own experience (see my own posted comment) is different. When someone in my choir had a heart attack and his heart stopped completely, the twenty minutes that passed before a paramedic arrived were...
Show full commentI understand this thinking but my own experience (see my own posted comment) is different. When someone in my choir had a heart attack and his heart stopped completely, the twenty minutes that passed before a paramedic arrived were critical.
I agree though that people generally - and that includes me - wouldn't be confident. For starters, how would we know whether a stranger passing by in the street had had a heart attack or had simply fallen over drunk or dizzy and banged their head? We don't always know where to start.
Show less of commentnmkwestminster
Community Member 1 year agoDo you mean supermarkets, schools, colleges, council offices, workplaces and other facilities should not possess defibrillators because it’s not their main role? I believe everyone has a responsibility to do their best, wherever and...
Show full commentDo you mean supermarkets, schools, colleges, council offices, workplaces and other facilities should not possess defibrillators because it’s not their main role? I believe everyone has a responsibility to do their best, wherever and whenever possible, for the health and safety of their fellow citizens.
Show less of commentMJB
Community Member 1 year agoWould like to take a course on usage. Please advise.
Mia at Talk London
Official Representative 1 year agoHi MJB.
To watch a demo video on performing chest compressions and using a defibrillator click this link.
This page also provides info on where to find more CPR and defibrillator training through the British Heart Foundation and the London Ambulance Service.
A key thing to know is that using a defibrillator is safe. It walks through what you need to do, and it will advise you if a shock is needed. It won't shock if it isn't. Defibrillators and CPR/chest compressions can give someone in cardiac arrest their best chance of survival, while medical help arrives. If you can't spot a defibrillator in an emergency, the 999 call operator will advise you as to where the nearest one is is.
Hope that's helpful.
Mia (Talk London team)
JRNSO
Community Member 1 year agoI notice defibrillators from time to time, but I couldn't confidently tell you locations. I'm pretty sure that there's one in the local station and another in the Sainsbury's Local, but I'm not totally confident. The more there are the...
Show full commentI notice defibrillators from time to time, but I couldn't confidently tell you locations. I'm pretty sure that there's one in the local station and another in the Sainsbury's Local, but I'm not totally confident. The more there are the better.
I have had first aid training two or three times during my life, but it's probably twenty years since the most recent. So although I would have a fair idea of what I needed to do should the circumstance ever arise, I would not be very confident about giving CPR or using a defibrillator. In addition I don't have much stamina these days so I don't know how long I could sustain effective CPR. So if I had to do it to save a life I would give it a go, but I would be happy to defer to someone whose body and brain are less rusty!
I think that where there are defibrillators there should be people qualified to use them, for example members of staff at stations and supermarkets. I also think that more should be done to raise awareness of defibrillators, and that first aid training should be available to all who want it. First aid training should be a core part of every child's education, with skills being revisited and built on every year, so that they are ingrained by the time children leave education.
Show less of commentSinclair
Community Member 1 year agoI have done CPR to no avail as I think the person had already died. The ambulance personnel came and used a defibrillator to no avail so I have seen it used, but would be shy of using it myself, not knowing what to do, where exactly to...
Show full commentI have done CPR to no avail as I think the person had already died. The ambulance personnel came and used a defibrillator to no avail so I have seen it used, but would be shy of using it myself, not knowing what to do, where exactly to place it. I expect there are many people like me. If I knew what to do, I would be prepared to act should the need arise.
Show less of commentNickJames
Community Member 1 year agoDouble upvote for trying to save a life, even though it did not help in this case.
Astrid - City …
Official Representative 1 year agoHi Sinclair - I'm so sorry you experienced this, and hope you had some support afterwards, as it couldn't have been easy to process.
Early chest compressions and using a defibrillator can increase a person's chance of surviving a cardiac arrest. By stepping in, you are truly giving the person in cardiac arrest their best chance at life.
And you're right, knowledge and confidence is key to more people stepping in. That's why we made this training video and we would encourage people to watch it as many times as needed to feel comfortable. But we also gathered resources from around London in case anyone wants to get hands on training. Check out the link.
SuziQpid
Community Member 1 year agoI’ve been helping to recommend certain features in an inclusive access management plan for our refurbished town hall in Hammersmith which will open next year in June. I’ve been very concerned about first aid. Not only do designated staff...
Show full commentI’ve been helping to recommend certain features in an inclusive access management plan for our refurbished town hall in Hammersmith which will open next year in June. I’ve been very concerned about first aid. Not only do designated staff members need to know how defibrillators work but also many disabled residents who work directly with the council. We are all woefully out of date with training and most training courses are aimed at able bodied people who have no mobility or cognitive issues. I’m interested you know whether l as an Autistic person would be able to follow the instructions on a defibrillator box. I’m a kinaesthetic learner so ld really appreciate being able to learn how to use one.
Show less of commentCedders
Community Member 1 year agoYes, all stations should maintain defibrillators. Many supermarkets do too, and that should be encouraged. Also park offices, gyms etc. As for training, I think it's probably best as part of a general first aid course to cover CPR...
Show full commentYes, all stations should maintain defibrillators. Many supermarkets do too, and that should be encouraged. Also park offices, gyms etc. As for training, I think it's probably best as part of a general first aid course to cover CPR, accidents and related contingencies. More leaflets about first aid would be good.
Going off-topic a bit, I've seen planning applications (for flashing signs etc) include a defibrillator as a reason to approve the application, even where there already is one. I have my doubts whether these would be properly maintained.
Show less of commentRobCH
Community Member 1 year agoThe is an AED in the underpass below our local station at Herne Hill. AEDs should be installed as widely as possible in public places and leisure/sports facilities as there is a limited time window to use them in a cardiac emergency, so...
Show full commentThe is an AED in the underpass below our local station at Herne Hill. AEDs should be installed as widely as possible in public places and leisure/sports facilities as there is a limited time window to use them in a cardiac emergency, so this is a very valuable initiative. They are simple to use, the process mainly looks after itself once the contacts are in place - but....
What might inhibit use by members of the public?
What might encourage use and take-up of training?
- Publicity - approach it on a community-by-community basis, possibly even street-by-street, not London-wide
- Highlight London Lifesavers
- A "LondonSafe" mobile app - resource covering not just this but multiple other potential emergency situations in the capital. What to do if...; sources of information, help and advice; how you can be prepared; resources; etc. I have plenty of ideas for this!
Show less of commentJRNSO
Community Member 1 year agoI had to google AED, to establish that it means Automated External Defibrillator or Automatic Electronic Defibrillator. My guess of Automatic Emergency Defibrillator wasn't too far off!
RobCH
Community Member 1 year agoI apologise for the abbreviation, I should have written it in full first time at least. The wonderful thing about these Automated Defibrillators is that they do all the readings and diagnosis once the pads are applied in the right places...
Show full commentI apologise for the abbreviation, I should have written it in full first time at least. The wonderful thing about these Automated Defibrillators is that they do all the readings and diagnosis once the pads are applied in the right places (and there's a diagram inside the lid explaining where the right places are). And then they administer the right amount of electric jolt at the right time to reset the heart's rhythm all by themselves. Very clever and really about as simple as it could be for anyone to use, even without training. I think the main benefit of having some training is familiarity and confidence.
Show less of commentCCloud
Community Member 1 year agoCommunity-by-community sounds like a great idea. I'd be MUCH happier to attend a local course (perhaps with neighbours) than to travel to a centre to learn.
djb
Community Member 1 year agoI've done an emergency first aid course but luckily never had to use it. I think it is a good skill that everyone should know how to do, especially the basics. It should also be taught in school.
Cedders
Community Member 1 year agoI agree and am in the same position. While my recent emergency first aid course included applying the pads and telling people to stand clear, actually using a full-size defibrillator, cutting off clothing and even unlocking the box are...
Show full commentI agree and am in the same position. While my recent emergency first aid course included applying the pads and telling people to stand clear, actually using a full-size defibrillator, cutting off clothing and even unlocking the box are things I've fortunately never had to do. I do think the short course helped though.
Show less of commentrjbrooks
Community Member 1 year agoAlthough I am in Bexley Borough where we only have South Eastern trains and buses I have spotted a defibrillator at the end of Hurst Road, Sidcup outside an old school on the corner of Station Road, Sidcup as well as in Sidcup High Street...
Show full commentAlthough I am in Bexley Borough where we only have South Eastern trains and buses I have spotted a defibrillator at the end of Hurst Road, Sidcup outside an old school on the corner of Station Road, Sidcup as well as in Sidcup High Street. I did do some first aid training, but many years ago, as a civilian with the Metropolitan Police. I do think that teaching basic first aid to young people at school would be a useful life lesson. I remember ' Nelly the elephant' and 'Staying alive' by the Bee Gees were useful for the CPR timing. I would also be interested to know what the 'Bleed ' kit on a wall near Sidcup High Street is for as well.
Show less of commentSirfulham
Community Member 1 year agoHaving a defibrillator relatively close at hand is a god send. This initiative will save many lives. Well done to London and Sadiq Khan.
Show full commentHaving a defibrillator relatively close at hand is a god send. This initiative will save many lives. Well done to London and Sadiq Khan.
Show less of commentCotterpin
Community Member 1 year agoI have long forgotten how to use a defibrillator and should welcome a refresher course.
Show full commentI have long forgotten how to use a defibrillator and should welcome a refresher course.
Show less of commentkscterry
Community Member 1 year agoAs one can expect with Sadiq Khan this move has been peppered with endless PR about him, all at full cost to the taxpayer when GLA council tax went up nearly 10% this year.
Show full commentI agree I have no idea how to use defibrillators however perhaps...
As one can expect with Sadiq Khan this move has been peppered with endless PR about him, all at full cost to the taxpayer when GLA council tax went up nearly 10% this year.
Show less of commentI agree I have no idea how to use defibrillators however perhaps this crucial campaign activity could have been better spent telling people about where they are and how to use them rather than trying to plug propaganda about Sadiq Khan.
BirdHead
Community Member 1 year agoI'd be confident in giving CPR and in using a defib once trained in how to use it.
Show full commentI'd be confident in giving CPR and in using a defib once trained in how to use it.
Show less of commentJoby Fox
Community Member 1 year agoI learnt First Aid skills including CPR and defibrillator use as a British Red Cross volunteer many years ago. So I know roughly what to do and would go ahead in an emergency if there was no one better qualified there. But I would welcome...
Show full commentI learnt First Aid skills including CPR and defibrillator use as a British Red Cross volunteer many years ago. So I know roughly what to do and would go ahead in an emergency if there was no one better qualified there. But I would welcome the opportunity ti take a refresher class especially as defibrillators have no doubt changed over the years.
Show less of comment