Three-time European Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher has put his support behind World Heart Rhythm Week to highlight the importance of defibrillators in saving people’s lives.
In 2013, Gallacher collapsed, suffering a sudden cardiac arrest whilst delivering a speech at a hotel. The prompt use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), together with hospital care saved his life and enabled him to make a full recovery.
Events in recent years among sportspeople suffering sudden cardiac arrests have proven a stark reminder that young, fit people can still be at risk.
World Heart Rhythm Week, initiated by Arrhythmia Alliance, which begins on Monday is an annual, global event to raise awareness of heart rhythm disorders.
“You can be fully fit, you can go to the gym, you can run, you can play golf, you can play sports, and you can still have a cardiac arrest,” said Gallacher, who has taken part in a video campaign with Arrhythmia Alliance, supported by Medtronic.
A survey carried out by Arrhythmia Alliance in March found that more than a third of people do not know if their sports club has an AED.
A total of 240 people responded and the findings showed that, should someone suffer a sudden cardiac arrest:
One in five people don’t know how to perform CPR.
One in three people don’t know where their nearest AED is located.
Although most of those who responded know what an AED is, more than 50% said they don’t know how to use one.
Gallacher has worked closely with Arrhythmia Alliance to campaign for the importance of easy access to defibrillators in both the community and at sporting facilities.
In the video series, Bernard and his wife, Lesley, explain what happened on the day of his cardiac arrest, highlight the importance of having an AED nearby.
While in hospital, Gallacher was fitted with an Implantable Cardiac Device (ICD), which in turn saved his life again. The ICD kicked into action when required and shocked Bernard’s heart back into normal rhythm, when he suffered two further cardiac arrests at home.
In the interview, Lesley conceded “not everybody can be saved, but everybody deserves the chance to be saved.”
To view the video series, visit: heartrhythmalliance.org/aa/uk/defibs-save-lives/bernards-story
For more information about defibrillators, visit: www.defibssavelives.org
