Understanding defibrillators: what they are and how to use them
You may have seen them around or you may have walked passed one, and never taken notice. Here's why you should take notice: A defibrillator is a device that can save the life of someone in cardiac arrest. It could save your life, a passer-by or even a loved one!
Learn how it works and when to use one.
What is a defibrillator?
A defibrillator is a device that gives a high-energy electric jolt to the heart. This helps get the heart beating again when someone is having a cardiac arrest and their heart has stopped.
These high energy shocks are called defibrillation. They play an essential part in trying to save the lives of anyone who’s in cardiac arrest.
You might also hear it being called a defib, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) or an PAD (Public Access Defibrillator).
Why have a defibrillator?
If some has a cardiac arrest, a defibrillator can help restart their heart. You can use one whilst you are waiting for the emergency services to arrive.
Having a defibrillator is vital for any organisation, community or school because:
- Less than 1 in 10 people who suffer a cardiac arrest survive
- There are more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year
- Without immediate defibrillator intervention, most cardiac arrests are fatal
- Every minute without CPR and a defibrillator reduces survival chances by 10%
How much is a defibrillator?
This depends on the make and model of defibrillator you choose. You also need to consider installation and running costs.
At Medisave, we have formed close relationships with the leading manufactures. This enables us to pass on savings to you, the customer. This also enables you to make not just a cost-effective, but a life-saving investment. This will help to ensure that rapid action is taken in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and increase the chances of survival.
You can discover the Medisave Defibrillator Range online at www.medisave.co.uk, email us at hello@medisave.co.uk or if you prefer, by calling us on 0800 804 6447. We'd love to answer any questions you have.
We hold a large stock holding of Automatic Defibrillators, Semi-Automatic Defibrillators, Defib Batteries, Defib Pads, Defib Cabinets along with Defib Trainers and accessories.
Is there a defibrillator near me?
The moment someone has a cardiac arrest, the clock is ticking. Every minute without CPR or a defib reduces the chances of survival. Only 1 in 10 people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK.
But in many cardiac arrest cases, a defib is never used. Why? This is because the emergency services or members of the public simply don't know where they are or how to access them.
This is where The Circuit comes in.
The Circuit is a national defibrillator network for the UK. It provides the NHS ambulance services with vital information about defibrillators and their locations. Crucial for those moments after a cardiac arrest.
Once you have brought your defibrillator, make sure to Register it with The Circuit.
To find your nearest defibrillator, you can search with Defib Finder. Simply enter your location to find the nearest defib to you, along with it's status, access information and directions. Defib Finder only shows defibs that are registered with The Circuit.
Please always dial 999 immediately in the event of an emergency. The operator will direct you to your nearest defibrillator.
How to use a defibrillator
First up, if someone is in cardiac arrest, call 999 and start CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). If you're alone, do not interrupt CPR to find a defibrillator. If possible, send some else to find one. When you call 999, ensure the phone is on loud speaker to follow instructions.
The operator will tell you if there's a Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) nearby.
Anyone can use a defibrillator. You do not need training or previous medical experience. Once you turn it on, the defib will give clear step-by-step voice instructions. Many also have visual prompts and images showing how to use it.
The device will check the person's heart rhythm. Only if needed, the device will give the person a shock. You cannot shock yourself or someone else.
Steps on using a defibrillator
A defib will vary by make and model. Take care to follow all prompts and step-by-step voice instructions.
Step 1: Press the green button to switch on the defibrillator and follow the instructions.
Step2: Remove the person's clothing above the waist.
You might have to remove a person's bra by slipping the staps down and cutting it off. Most defibrillator packs will have tools like scissors to help do this. It might feel very odd, uncomfortable and embarrassing to do this. Remember, this is a life or death situation.
Statistics show that a woman's chance of survival when receiving bystander CPR may be up to 23% lower than that of a man. There are many reasons this may be the case; awkwardness in touching the breast area, harming the casualty or even just the fear of inappropriate touching.
To help address these fears and breakdown the barriers, we stock the PractiMan Advanced CPR Manikin. This CPR manikin can be converted into a Female Manikin Skin, in just seconds. Suitable for both CPR and defibrillator training.
Step 3: Peel off the sticky pads and attach them to the person's bare skin. Put one pad on each side of the chest as shown on the visual instructions on the defib/aed.
Step 4: Once you have attached the pads, stop CPR and do not touch the person. The defib/aed will then check the person's heart rhythm.
Step 5: The defib will decide whether a shock to the heart is needed. If so, it will tell you to press the "shock" button. A Fully Automatic Defibrillator will shock the person without you needing to do anything. Do not touch the person while they're being shocked.
Step 6: The defib will tell you once the shock has been given and if CPR needs to continue.
Step 7: If the defib tells you to continue to do CPR, continue with chest compressions until the person shows signs of life. The defib may tell you to stop so it can analyse the heartbeat again.