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AED - Defibrillator - In case of Cardiac Arrest

DEFIBRILLATOR (AED) - Heart Restarter

An AED is a portable defibrillator especially designed for use by people with little or no medical background.  Its purpose is to help resuscitate someone whose heart has stopped - a cardiac arrest.  In this situation, when a patient is unconscious and is not breathing, a defibrillator and CPR - Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, can provide vital care whilst waiting for a paramedic or ambulance to arrive.  When applied to a patient who has suffered a cardiac arrest (heart stoppage), voice commands and screen messages will guide the user step-by-step through the process and its smart technology will only allow it to shock a ‘shockable’ heart rhythm

A heart attack is different to a cardiac arrest.  The patient may be conscious or unconscious, but still breathing.  CPR and the defibrillator are not used for someone suffering a heart attack, though it’s wise to have to hand as a standby.

In case of emergency - check symptoms & follow these steps

Time is of the essence, so try to keep calm and act quickly.

 

Heart attack symptoms – typically combinations of; possible sudden chest pain, feeling light headed/dizziness, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, anxiety, coughing/wheezing, feeling of indigestion.  More details at   https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/heart-attack

- Call 999, sit patient up and keep talking to them to keep them conscious

 

IF THE PERSON IS UNCONSCIOUS, DO THE FOLLOWING

 1) If they are unconscious but they are breathing normally

Always call 999 first and then put them in the recovery position.

 2) If they are unconscious and have stopped breathing

Call 999 and carry out CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation).  See guide below.

 3) If there is someone available, send them to get the defibrillator, or ask them to phone someone to bring it to you.

Ian Binnie 01363 884470 and Roland Smith 01363 83515 are nearest to the defibrillator and are usually available to bring it.

They can help with CPR, collecting and using the defibrillator.  It’s located by the public telephone box adjacent to the entrance to Pitt Court. 

Remember, call for help and do not stop CPR to get the defibrillator

 

TO PERFORM CPR, DO THE FOLLOWING

  1. Check if conscious - shake patient and shout their name
  2. Check for normal breathing
  3. Call 999
  4. If there’s no breathing, give 30 chest compressions
  5. Give two rescue breaths
  6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 until a paramedic or ambulance arrive

  More details at:  https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/what-is-cpr

USING THE DEFIBRILLATOR

The Defibrillator is located by the public telephone box adjacent to entrance to Pitt Court.

  1.  To access the defibrillator in its cabinet, open the clear plastic door on the protective cabinet  by grasping either side at the top and swing it down. 
  2.   Lift out and take the defibrillator in its carry bag to the patient.
  3.   Remove the defibrillator from its bag, place near the patient and open the top.
  4.    Press the START button.  The Defibrillator will then talk to you and tell you what to do.

 

It is strongly recommended to be prepared by learning how to perform CPR now.  Whilst CPR is physically demanding, it is not difficult to learn. 

The British Heart Foundation Website has a good tutorial - https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/what-is-cpr

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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