Life-saving defibrillator devices, commonly referred to as ‘defibs’, have been installed across New Covent Garden Market, potentially helping save the life of anyone using the site who is suffering cardiac arrest.

If you’ve ever seen a film or show where one of the characters is receiving shocks to their chest through a device, that’s defibrillation. When someone’s in cardiac arrest and their heart has stopped, the defib sends a jolt of energy to the heart to help it start beating again.

Anyone can use a defib, and you don’t need training. Modern defibs ‘speak’ to you and give you clear step-by-step voice instructions.

As illustrated on the map below, a total of nine defibs are now prominently positioned across the following locations: four in the Fruit and Vegetable Market; three in the Food Exchange (in the stairwells); one in the Flower Market (located in the loading dock office); and one at the Security Lodge.

Covent Garden Market Authority’s Senior Operations Manager Colin Corderoy said that purchasing and positioning the defibs across the estate was just the first step. “What’s equally as important is ensuring that everyone across the Market knows where their nearest defib is located. Regardless of where you work, you’ll have a defib close to you. Please ensure you share the locations with your colleagues, suppliers and customers so that everyone’s aware and prominently display the map on your Health and Safety noticeboard.”

The defib should be used in conjunction with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (known as CPR), a life-saving technique that involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation until professional medical help arrives.

If someone is in cardiac arrest, you should call 999 straight away and start CPR. If you’re on your own, do not interrupt CPR to go and locate your nearest defib. Wherever possible, send someone to collect it. The defib will only tell you to give the person a shock if it’s needed. It is not possible to shock yourself or someone else accidentally.

Free CPR training is offered by the British Heart Foundation charity, which you and your colleagues can learn in just 15 minutes. Find out more at https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life