Originally posted: 04/03/2013
A Fife BASICS Responder successfully resuscitated a patient in cardiac arrest today, the third this year. The patient who had collapsed in a fife town received CPR prior to arrival of SAS paramedics and the BASICS Responder. The patient's heart was successfully restarted and Sandpiper equipment was used to stabilise him. A bystander commented that "Vinnie Jones kept popping into my head screaming – staying alive at me".
2 previous patients have recovered to full independent health and today’s patient is equally expected to fully recover. Around 15% of patients who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survive.
Our Responder stated "On a daily basis I see the difference that very early specialist intervention in these desperately sick people makes to their chances of survival and long-term quality of life. This is even more important in remote areas of Scotland where a hospital may be a long way away".
To find out more about the work of our BASICS Responders, please go to the Responder section of our website.