A campaign to have life-saving equipment installed in schools has been backed by Richmond MP Rishi Sunak.
The MP has become a Defibrillator Champion as part of efforts to have defibrillators – compact machines that can restart a heart in the event of sudden cardiac failure – installed in all schools.
As part of European Restart a Heart Day Mr Sunak visited The Oliver King Foundation at its launch event in Westminster to show his support.
The Oliver King Foundation was established following the death of 12-year-old Oliver King from a sudden cardiac arrest. Oliver was winning a swimming race at school when his heart stopped.
Early access to a defibrillator is vital. For every minute that passes, chances of survival drop by 10 per cent.
Mr Sunak said: “Defibrillators are incredibly useful machines in these circumstances and can be the difference between life and death.
“I will work to raise awareness of their importance so that we can get lifesaving defibrillators in schools our area, protecting our students, teachers and visitors whilst at school.”
He said it had been interesting to hear from the Foundation about how many lives have been saved, including a caretaker at a school who had only received the defibrillator two weeks earlier.
Jake Morrison, chief executive of The Oliver King Foundation said: “We are delighted that Rishi has signed up as a Defibrillator Champion. It is important that we spread awareness of the vital need for this equipment in our communities.
Mark King, father of 12-year-old Oliver King who died from a sudden cardiac arrest said: “Five years ago when my son Oliver passed away from this hidden heart condition, we didn’t know that his legacy would reach this far. We are determined to save as many young lives as possible, so that no other family has to suffer a similar loss to that of ours.”
Every single year in the UK, 30,000 people suffer a sudden cardiac arrest. Sadly, just less than 1-in-10 survive. It’s time to take action.
For more information please contact The Oliver King Foundation on 01517283470 or email info@theoliverkingfoundation.co.uk.