Defib Dani, a short new cartoon animation, that aims to give people the confidence to use a defibrillator, during a cardiac arrest – the ultimate medical emergency, has been launched by Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) today.
Recent data shows that 61% of people say they aren’t confident enough to use a defibrillator, yet early defibrillation within 3–5 min of collapse can increase survival rates by as high as 50-70%.
RCUK is on a mission to get the UK defib confident, to increase survival rates, and have created an engaging and informative cartoon animation starring Defib Dani – a green talking defib, who clearly demonstrates how simple it is to use a defibrillator.
Set in a supermarket scenario, Defib Dani calmly guides you through the simple steps of using a defib, emphasising that no prior training is needed, a fact that 40% of people were unaware of. The device’s clear instructions ensure anyone can step in and help save a life.
The animation caters to all age groups and highlights the importance of quick action during a cardiac emergency, empowering everyone to be a potential lifesaver.
James Cant, CEO at RCUK, said: “People often believe a defib can only be used by medics which isn’t true – public access defibs are there for everyone’s use.
“We’ve created a simple animation, so people can have the confidence to use a defib should they need to. Early defibrillation helps save lives, and they’re easy to use – you just need to switch it on, and it will guide you through the rest.”
The video also encourages anyone who is looking after a defib, to register their device on The Circuit – the national defibrillator network that ensures ambulance services can immediately direct bystanders to their nearest defibrillator, helping to save valuable time.
Defib Dani is a key part of RCUK’s Restart A Heart campaign, which began on Monday 16 October and continues throughout the month. The campaign aims to increase the number of people trained in CPR and defib awareness.
This year, the campaign is focussing on equal access to defibrillators across the UK. RCUK is urging everyone looking after one – such as those in charge of pubs, sports clubs, community centres, churches and village halls – to make it accessible to the public 24/7, to give a person suffering a cardiac arrest the best chance of survival.
