Chapel-en-le-Frith Golf Club has launched the first ever Cardiac Arrest Response Strategy (CARS) at its Derbyshire golf course. The strategy aims to encourage immediate first aid, in the form of CPR, and speedy access to a defibrillator to anyone suffering from a cardiac arrest whilst on the course.
On every tee there is a sign giving clear instructions on what to do in case of cardiac arrest. There is a designated telephone number to ring to alert staff in the Clubhouse to deliver the defibrillator, without delay, to the patient no matter where they are on the course. To support the CARS initiative each tee uses the ‘What 3 Words’ app to provide a specific, precise location to the emergency services.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of premature death. In cardiac arrest the heart’s normal electrical impulses malfunction, causing an abnormal heart rhythm, affecting the circulation of blood and oxygen around the body. In the UK the current survival rate following cardiac arrest is just 10%. This figure could be greatly improved with immediate CPR and early defibrillation using an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). The defibrillator delivers a shock to the heart to re-establish a normal heart rhythm and if delivered within the first 3-5 minutes of the person collapsing can increase the survival rate by 50-70%.
The CARS initiative is being supported by Chapel Golf Club’s local MP. Robert Largan recently visited the Club to see it for himself.
Robert said:
“This is such a simple yet fantastic idea, I can’t believe it hasn’t been done before. It’s a really pro-active scheme, offering practical help that could save lives. It would be great to see other golf clubs doing the same. I am happy to support this great initiative.”