Defibrillators donated to East Yorkshire fishing fleet

Fishing boats in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, have had 10 defibrillators donated

An East Yorkshire fishing fleet has been given 10 defibrillators to prevent deaths as heart disease rates rise in coastal communities, said the NHS.

The life-saving machines will be handed over and installed on fishing vessels in Bridlington later.

Experts say heart attacks among fishermen are due to high blood pressure stemming from stress, sleep deprivation and lifestyle.

A charity spokesperson said: "Many of these deaths remain preventable."

Fishing vessels can work up to 50 miles (80km) from land so these new automated external defibrillators (AEDs), donated by the Seafarers Hospital Society, will be "vital in preserving life" if someone has a heart attack, said NHS Humber.

Heart disease is on the rise for fishermen, said the NHS

A crew member will also be trained in how to use the equipment as well as basic life support and CPR it was confirmed.

According to the British Heart Foundation, fewer than 1 in 10 people survive a sudden cardiac arrest, and research shows that with every minute that passes the survival rate reduces by 10%, but using a defibrillator will more than likely save that life. 

Sandra Welch, CEO of Seafarers Hospital Society, said another reason for rising rates of heart disease in fishermen was due to their increasing age.

She added: "The rising median age of seafarers working in the UK has shown a concurrent rise in heart attacks and other similar health-related incidents caused by high blood pressure.

"Our goal is to ensure that we minimise loss of life."

The Defibrillator Project is also in conjunction with The Fishermen's Mission and SeaFit, a programme designed to improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of fishermen throughout the UK.

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