A jogger whose cardiac arrest sparked a campaign to install 10 new defibrillators across north-west London says he would be dead if two strangers had not stopped to give him CPR.
The campaign was started after 59-year-old Rob Hutt, from Queen’s Park, suffered a cardiac arrest while jogging in a local park. Two other runners called 999 and gave Mr Hutt chest compressions until an ambulance arrived.
Mr Hutt’s friends later discovered the area was a “defib desert” with no public access to a defibrillator nearby. He then led an 18-month campaign to fund 10 new defibrillators across Carlton Vale, Queen’s Park, Kensal Rise, and Willesden, with another about to be installed outside Cricklewood Library.
Mr Hutt said: “The two runners were complete strangers, but they had the courage to begin chest compressions and call 999. Learning these life-saving skills is important, but Londoners should feel confident enough to stop and help a stranger — it’s an amazing gift to give people. The use of defibrillators and chest compressions is the most crucial part of the chain of survival. I’ve received amazing care from paramedics and cardiologists, but I would be dead if those strangers hadn’t stopped to give me CPR. I’d advise Londoners to check where their local defibrillator is. I pray that no one will ever need to use it, but you might, so it’s vital that you know where it is.”
The campaign has also led to five training sessions, provided for free by the London Ambulance Service, which has trained nearly 400 local residents in lifesaving skills.
Rich Preston, a BBC presenter and a community first responder for London Ambulance Service, has also supported the fundraising and training. He said: “The funds raised and partnerships mean we have 10 new defibrillators, which mean anyone who needs one in an emergency might have a 70% better chance of survival. That could be a friend, a family member or neighbour.”
The Mayor of London’s Health Advisor, Dr Tom Coffey, said: “It’s inspiring that the residents of Kensal Rise have joined together to raise money to install defibrillators and learn these life-saving skills with London Ambulance Service. When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, every second counts.”
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