In 2018, the Resuscitation Council UK stated that fewer than one person in 10 survives a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) if it occurs outside hospital; and this was still the case last year. The use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), can significantly increase the chance of saving life in these circumstances if performed promptly. For this reason, AEDs are often provided in public places and in 2019, the pH.7 Life in Balance sports training business raised money to buy two public defibrillators for Highgate (situated on the outside of the Pond Square toilets and The Woodman pub). The Highgate Society worked with pH.7 on the installation of these devices and has since arranged London Ambulance Service defibrillator and resuscitation training for local residents. Although AEDs are designed for use by untrained bystanders, training increases confidence and use. One participant said “A few weeks later I had to use a defibrillator on a staff member in a local shop who had collapsed – so it was well worth it.” Highgate Society is now raising funds for the ongoing maintenance of the two existing AEDs, additional training sessions to increase the number of people living and working in Highgate who will be able to help if a SCA occurs and to purchase an additional public defibrillator for where there is least coverage.

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