How and when to use a defibrillator - A defibrillator should be used when a person is in cardiac arrest (their heart has stopped). CPR should be done until you can get a defibrillator. CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and is when someone gives chest compressions to a person in cardiac arrest to keep them alive.
Here is some information to help should you ever find yourself in an emergency.
What should I do if someone is in cardiac arrest? -If you see someone having a cardiac arrest, call 999, start CPR. The emergency operator can advise where the nearest defibrillator is, and if there is a second person with you, they should go to fetch it. The emergency operator will stay on the line giving support and guidance until an emergency responder arrives at the scene.
What is an automated external defibrillator? -An automated external defibrillator is a computerised device to restart a heart that has stopped beating. The defibrillator works by shocking the heart back into action. Many public places have a defibrillator on hand in case of emergency. We have two here in Waverley.
How do I use an automated external defibrillator? To use a defibrillator, follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Turn the defibrillator on by pressing the green button and follow its instructions.
- Step 2: Peel off the sticky pads and attach them to the patient's skin, one on each side of the chest, as shown in the picture on the defibrillator.
- Step 3: Once the pads have been attached, stop CPR and don't touch the patient. The defibrillator will then check the patient's heart rhythm.
- Step 4: The defibrillator will assess whether a shock is needed and if so, it will tell you to press the shock button. Don't touch the patient while they are being shocked.
- Step 5: The defibrillator will tell you when the shock has been delivered and whether you need to continue CPR.
- Step 6: Continue with chest compressions until an emergency responder instructs you otherwise, the patient shows signs of life or the defibrillator tells you to stop so it can analyse the heartbeat again.
Where can I find the nearest defibrillator? -There are three defibrillators in Waverley.
One is situated on the side of the Winter Green Pub, off Mitchell Way. It is attached to the building, on the right-hand side of the main doors, within the play area.
The postcode is S60 8AR or what 3 words ///saying.reef.video.
There is one at the Community Garden attached to the Superbin. This is just outside the local school and near Highfield Land.
The postcode is S60 8AS or what3words ///defeat.ridge.glee.
(The defibrillator is also a Superbin. The solar panel is used to keep the defibrillator cabinet at a moderate temperature so the batteries within the defibrillator maintain their charge.)
The newest defibrillator is situated near the steps of the pond at Catcliffe Corner on Highfield Lane opposite junction with Hawes Way.
The postcode is S60 8EA or what3words ///native.detail.quite
How do I get the defibrillator out of the box? - When you call 999 the emergency operator will give you an access code to open the box.
Can anyone use a defibrillator? - Anyone can use a defibrillator and you don't need training. Once you turn it on, it will give clear instructions on how to attach the defibrillator pads. The device checks the heart rhythm and will only tell you to shock if it's needed. You can't shock someone accidentally.
What should I do with the defibrillator afterwards? - After the event we would appreciate if you could return the defibrillator back to the box. If you have forgotten the code then please keep the defibrillator safe and email communityresilience@yas.nhs.uk who will advise.
Where can I find out more information? -For more information on CPR and how to use a defibrillator visit:
- British Heart Foundation - https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/
- St Johns Ambulance - https://www.sja.org.uk/get-advice/