Redbridge Council has announced that there will be 30 defibrillators placed around the borough in order to save lives in event of cardiac arrest.
Launching the initiative at Valentines Mansion,
Council leader Jas Athwal praised the work but then urged that more needs to be done in Redbridge. "I came here feeling proud of what we are doing but now realise we need to do more, " said Cllr Athwal, who called for the borough to emulate Seattle, where extensive training in schools and of the public has seen significant numbers of people surviving cardiac arrests.
"Training across the borough is so important. We must take it into the schools and ensure children are trained," said Cllr Athwal.
Dr Zafar Iqbal, head of sports medicine at Crystal Palace Football Club, told how Bolton footballer Fabrice Muamba had been shocked 16 times over 70 minutes to revive him, after collapsing in a game against Spurs in 2012.
Dr Iqbal also told how his own young son had twice suffered cardiac arrest and had to be revived.
Dr Iqbal also told how his own young son had twice suffered cardiac arrest and had to be revived.
The doctor estimated that for every minute lost in providing the shock for resucitation, the chances of survival reduced by 10 %.
Dr Iqbal stressed the need for defibrillators in schools, estimating that there is probably at least one child in every school with an undiagnosed heart irregularity.
Deputy council leader Kam Rai had been struck by the differences in provision between wards in Redbridge."This can make the difference between life and death." said Cllr Rai.
Cllr for Wanstead Village, Paul Donovan, said: "I hadn't realised just what a difference a readily available defibrillator can make - it really can be a matter of life or death. This is an excellent initiative stretching across the borough. We are looking forward to the defibrillator coming to Wanstead."
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