The creation of safer and cardioprotected spaces in Spain has become an urgent necessity. With around 30,000 annual deaths from cardiac arrests, according to a report from the Spanish Heart Foundation, the installation of defibrillators and training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are essential elements to increase survival rates. Currently, only 10% of those who suffer a cardiac arrest manage to survive without sequelae, a percentage that, compared to the United States, is alarming; there the survival rate exceeds 50% thanks to the widespread availability of defibrillators.
Despite the fact that the Spanish regulatory framework has slowly advanced since the enactment of Royal Decree 365/2009, which establishes the conditions for the use of defibrillators in non-healthcare settings, various autonomous communities have adopted regulations that require the installation of these devices in public and private spaces. Examples like Madrid, the Valencian Community, the Canary Islands, Castilla-La Mancha, and Galicia stand out for their decrees regulating the presence of defibrillators and requiring training for their proper use.
In this context, Quirón Prevención has emerged as a key player in the promotion of cardioprotected spaces nationwide. This company, specialized in occupational risk prevention, not only promotes the installation of defibrillators but also provides specialized training in CPR, allowing a greater number of citizens to be prepared to act in emergency situations. It is estimated that the use of a defibrillator in the first minutes of a cardiac arrest can increase the chances of survival up to 90%, underscoring the importance of having these devices.
The combination of semi-automatic defibrillators and proper training can drastically transform survival statistics. A study by the Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units indicates that, without the use of defibrillators or basic CPR, the survival rate stands at a mere 6%. However, by incorporating these elements, that figure can rise to 20%.
The investment to create cardioprotected spaces is relatively low compared to the value of saving a life. Quirón Prevención advocates for regulations to require the mandatory presence of defibrillators in the same way that fire extinguishers are required, an achievable goal that could have saved numerous lives in facilities affected by cardiac-related tragedies.
Quirón Prevención’s work is crucial for promoting social awareness about cardioprotection. Through its blog “Prevenidos” and various initiatives, the company shares valuable information about transforming any space, such as schools, universities, sports centers, and parks, into safe and cardioprotected places. Society’s collaboration is essential to face this challenge and, above all, to save lives.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
