Every single year in the UK 600 young people die from Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Approximately 270 of these deaths occur in school.
The Oliver King Foundation was set up in 2012 following the death of 12-year-old Oliver from a sudden cardiac arrest whilst at school. If a defibrillator had been available on that day, it could have saved Oliver’s life.
Early access to a defibrillator is vital. For every minute that passes following a cardiac arrest, chances of survival drop by 10%. Studies have shown that access to a defibrillator can increase survival rates by a massive 75%.
Caroline Dinenage MP said:
“It was inspiring to meet Mark, Oliver’s Dad, who has turned this great personal tragedy into an opportunity to save lives. The Foundation estimate 19 lives have already been saved by defibrillators they have personally placed around the UK. I’ve written to all the schools in the Gosport Constituency encouraging them to get involved.”
Mark King, father of 12-year-old Oliver said:
“For the last six years, I’ve driven across the country personally delivering 2,000 defibrillators. The Foundation has provided first aid training to over 22,000 people. I miss my son every day, I’m determined that no other family has to suffer the same loss. I won’t rest until every school has access to a defibrillator by the time, Oliver would have been 21, in 2020.
For more information about Defibrillator’s please contact The Oliver King Foundation on 0151 728 3470 or email campaigns@theoliverkingfoundation.co.uk