CPR app reports increase in downloads following Eriksen’s cardiac arrest

An app which provides cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidance reported a 1,300 per cent increase in downloads following Danish football star Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.

The Save a Life app, developed by South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), also locates the nearest automated external defibrillator.

Every year around 60,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur, with just one in 10 people surviving to hospital discharge. However, a recent report from the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death found that 35.5% of patients who received CPR from a bystander survived to be discharged.

The swift action of Inter Milan star Erikson’s teammates and medics meant that he had access to life-saving assistance swiftly.

Nicola Dunbar, head of community engagement and training at SCAS, said: “This was a stark reminder of the instant and impromptu nature of cardiac arrests and highlighted the importance of quick thinking – the decisive interventions by all involved saved the player’s life.”

Last year, SCAS data found requests for training and information on how to perform CPR and use a defibrillator was down 67% last year and 86.5% this year in the South Central region, compared to pre-Covid levels.

The pandemic has negatively impacted on community engagement and training events, meaning SCAS has not seen its usual level of evening classes and child and youth sessions. The knock-on effect has been falling public awareness of CPR and fewer requests for training.

Dunbar continued: “The interest we are now seeing in our materials is already addressing this, though, and is an example of the way Christian’s personal story is already making positive change. From having his own life saved, he will no doubt now save the lives of many others.”

This news comes just months after a 61-year-old man became the first patient at the Royal Free London to receive a new type of implantable defibrillator that uses Bluetooth connectivity and a smartphone app.