Fit-out specialist Portview has invested in a top-of-the-range automated external defibrillator (AED) so that site staff have quick access to the life-saving device should a cardiac emergency arise. 

The fit-out contractor is working with Harts Group to fit-out the Barrafina and El Pastor restaurants in Coal Drops Yard at Kings Cross in London, has installed a 360P defibrillator at the site.

Each year in the UK there are approximately 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests[iii]. Only 20% of victims are in a shockable rhythm when the emergency services arrive, however, this figure can be greatly increased if more casualties receive immediate, effective CPR and defibrillation from a bystander[iv].

Managing Director of Portview, Simon Campbell said: “The idea came from one of our Site Managers whose former colleague survived a cardiac arrest thanks to an AED. Although we have a defibrillator in our head office, we realised that we owed it to our employees to have one on-site as an integral part of our medical emergency kit.

(L-R) Portview’s Steve Johns and Andrew Deptford of aadefib.co.uk.

“Construction sites are one of the most demanding environments to work in, and for this reason, we restrict access to protect public safety. The flip side of this however is that if someone was to fall victim to SCA on site, it can take an ambulance longer to gain access due to cordoning or the fact that many of our retail projects are in pedestrian zones. Therefore, it’s important for us to have something on site that can treat a victim immediately and until the emergency services arrive.

“We wanted our first site AED to be in Coal Drops Yard, as we have multiple projects happening at once and they are all within close proximity to each other. Of course, we hope we never have to use it, but should we ever do, we know we have the best equipment possible to help save someone’s life.”

Andrew Deptford, Owner of aadefib.com, said: “It’s great to see a contractor using their initiative and taking affirmative action to help safeguard their employees. By investing in an AED, Portview has shown that they are committed to upholding their strong health and safety standards by going the extra mile and setting an example to others.”

www.portview.co.uk