Demi with a basic life support flow chartBy Matthew Chandler
Defibrillator training took place in the De Montfort University (DMU) Students’ Union today to raise awareness of heart conditions.
Today’s event was part of this week’s #SeeTheInvisible campaign led by Demi Rixon, disabled students’ representative at DMU, in an attempt to raise awareness of hidden disabilities.
Demi, a law student at DMU, suffers from fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, and said: “My main advice that I am trying to get through this week is to just be more comforting to students.
“If they don’t go on nights out, for example, it is not because they are boring, but sometimes it is really embarrassing to say why. Sometimes students don’t want to admit they are disabled.
“Since coming into this role I have become a lot more open because it is a part of me and I have learned to accept it.”
Following yesterday’s demonstration of how those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) face everyday tasks such as cooking, today the focus was on saving the lives of those suffering from heart conditions.
With the help of Alan White, from the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust, students practised using a model defibrillator, and learned the recovery position and the correct way to carry out chest compression and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Defibrilator training ❤ https://t.co/U6j6ljhVhg
— DSU Disabled Students' Representative (@DSU_Disabled) February 14, 2018
“In England, our success rate is not very good compared to the Scandinavian countries and America,” Alan said.
“Using very simple steps, by learning basic life support, people can save lives, particularly in the younger age group from 12 – 35 who, if they receive the right treatment promptly, they can stand an 80 – 90 per cent chance of survival.”
#SeeTheInvisible continues with an arts class hosted by an autistic student on Thursday, before the focus turns to hearing impairments on Friday, with Demi hoping to organise a sign language class in the near future.
All events take place in the Students’ Union building and students can freely attend without booking in advance.
Defibrillator training- key facts
- Aim for 120 chest compressions per minute
- When performing mouth-to-mouth, after 30 chest compressions, wait for two breaths.
- The university defibrillator is on campus by the Spar shop- it is a locked cabinet so ring 999 and you will be given a code to punch in. Then turn the handle to take it out.
