CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN dominated the headlines over the weekend after he collapsed on the pitch during the Denmark vs Finland Euro 2020 game.
The 29-year-old was given emergency CPR, involving a defibrillator, on the pitch which ultimately saved his live.
Denmark’s team doctor Morten Boesen confirmed Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest and that “he was gone” prior to being resuscitated.
At a press conference arranged by the Danish Football Federation on Sunday afternoon, Boesen said: “He was gone. We did cardiac resuscitation, it was a cardiac arrest.
“How close were we to losing him? I don’t know, but we got him back after one defib, so that’s quite fast.”
“We don’t have any explanation why it happened. The details about what happened I am not quite sure of because I am not a cardiologist, I will leave that to the experts. I didn’t see it live, only on screens afterwards.”
This shocking incident has showcased the importance of defibrillators and how they can save a life.
However, if you were caught in an emergency would you know where to go to get a defibrillator unit?
We have rounded up all of the known defibrillator units in and around Blackburn- and explained how to use them in the event of an emergency.
What is CPR?
CPR is a series of chest compressions and rescue breaths that will help save someone’s life if they are in cardiac arrest.
According to the British Heart Foundation, CPR should only be used on someone if:
- They are unconscious and not breathing
- They are unconscious and not breathing normally
Call 999 before starting CPR then keep doing it until professional help arrives.
If someone is unconscious but they are breathing normally call 999 and then put them in the recovery position.
The NHS outlines how to perform CPR as follows:
- Place the heel of your hand on the breastbone at the centre of the person's chest. Place your other hand on top of your first hand and interlock your fingers.
- Position yourself with your shoulders above your hands.
- Using your body weight (not just your arms), press straight down by 5 to 6cm (2 to 2.5 inches) on their chest.
- Keeping your hands on their chest, release the compression and allow the chest to return to its original position.
- Repeat these compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 times a minute until an ambulance arrives or you become exhausted.
Advice adds: “If you have been trained in CPR, including rescue breaths, and feel confident using your skills, you should give chest compressions with rescue breaths.
“If you're not completely confident, attempt hands-only CPR instead.”
How can defibrillators help?
After a cardiac arrest, a defibrillator can shock the heart back into a normal rhythm.
Defibrillators are simple and safe to use, and will not shock unless it’s appropriate.
They’re available to the public in busy locations like shopping centres, sports stadiums and train stations across the UK.
Where are defibrillators in Blackburn?
It’s important to note that you should always ring 999 before searching for a defibrillator of your own; medical professionals will guide you to the nearest working defibrillator as some on this list may be out of operation by the time you need to use them.
With this in mind, here are some defibrillator locations in Blackburn:
The following locations were provided by the North West Ambulance Service.
A spokesperson said you must ring 999 before heading to one of these defibrillation sites.
They added: “An early 999 call is vital.
“Just running to the cabinet, as it’s locked, will inevitably delay the rescue by having to make subsequent 999 calls to gain access!
“We have cabinets out there that aren’t available at the moment due to missing or out of service devices.”
Another useful online resource is heart safe, an online map which indicates where your nearest defibrillator is.
However, the site is reliant on owner of the defibrillator registering it on the site - but it does state where a few are in Blackburn.
Once again, call 999 before heading to one of these defibrillation sites in an emergency.
Address: Clifton Lawns, 227 Blackburn Road, Darwen, BB3 1HL
What3words location: Lat: 53.705873 Long: -2.478062
Access: Unrestricted
Address: Vital Energi Utilities Ltd, Century House, Roman Road, Blackburn, BB1 2LD.
What3words location: Lat: 53.722271 Long: -2.460778
Access: Limited to office hours
Monday-Friday 8am-6pm
Address: PM&M, Greenbank Technology Park, Challenge Way, Blackburn, BB1 5QB
What3words location: Lat: 53.760276 Long: -2.453994
Access: Limited.
Available Monday to Friday- 8.45am-5pm
Address: Preston New Road, Blackburn BB2 6QU
What3words location: Lat: 53.761778 Long: -2.524352
Access: Monday - Friday 08.00 -18.00
Address: Meins Road, Blackburn, BB2 6QU
What3words location: Lat: 53.751767 Long: -2.528543
Access: Monday - Friday 08.00 - 18.00
Address: Blackburn Chemicals Ltd, Sales Office, Whitebirk Industrial Estate, Blackburn, BB1 5SX
What3words location: Lat: 53.760276 Long: -2.453994
Access: Mon to Fri 8.45am-5pm
The Black Bull Inn in Old Langho have also posted about their onsite defibrillator unit.
In a Facebook post they wrote: “In light of the traumatic events during the Denmark v Finland match last night - did you know that the defib for the local area is located on the side of our pub?”
“In an emergency, call 999 and follow instructions given - the pub doesn't need to be open to use it.”
How to use a defibrillator
A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any age, anytime, anywhere.
— North West Ambulance Service (@NWAmbulance) June 14, 2021
Knowing some simple skills and taking action fast can save a life. Would you know what to do? 💔
Our simple, quick step poster shows you how ⬇️ https://t.co/z7bQkMHVr1 pic.twitter.com/asl5AjQbPg
The North West Ambulance service shared some information about how to save someone’s life if cardiac arrest strikes.
This includes some information of how to use a defibrillator.
After calling 999, you will given a code to access your nearest defibrillator.
According to the North West Ambulance service you should follow these steps:
- Step 1: Open the defibrillator
- Step 2: If there is a power button, press it to turn machine on.
- Step 3: Follow instructions that you see/hear.
- Step 4: Put the pads on the patient’s bare chest.
- Step 5: Machine will analyse heart rhythm- do not touch the patient.
- Step 6: Machine will advise shock or no shock- stand clear if a shock is advised and follow instructions.
- Step 7: Continue with CPR for two minutes then the defibrillator will analyse the patient.
- Step 8: Keep going and follow instructions until the ambulance arrives
- Step 9: If the patient recovers and is breathing normally, put them in the recovery position and reassure them.
Has the Christian Erikson incident inspired you to learn more about CPR?
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