Most defibrillator manufacturers have now also introduced a defibrillator specially developed for non-professionals. These defibrillators, the so-called AED’s (= Automatic External Defibrillator, also known as PAD = Public Access Defibrillator) are now finding their way to companies, sports centres, airports, shopping centres and other public locations. Companies of all sizes should consider having an AED, it’s all about Risk Assessment.

There are Fully Automatic and semi-automatic AEDs. With the fully automatic machine, you do not have to press the button yourself. With the semi-automatic, a button must still be pushed to deliver the final Shock.

The survival rate in the UK without defibrillation of those in cardiac arrest is 6% so the important rules are following the Chain of Survival Guide if your casualty is not breathing.

 Dial 999  

Start CPR

Summon the AED, turn it on and follow the prompts

Then do the following:

Remove all clothing from the chest

Remove jewellery

Remove medication patches such as HRT or Nicotine patches

Dry the chest if sweaty

Note: you may need to shave chest hair where the upper pad will be placed.

An AED will only shock someone who’s heart is in a shockable rhythm, let the machine do its analysis, it will make all the decisions; it will say either Shock Advised, or no shock advised. If it is shock advised tell everyone to stand back and push the flashing shock button, saying “shocking now” as you push the button.

Wait for the emergency services turn up, do not stop CPR even if the machine actually says no shock advised.

We hope this has been useful. If you follow these simple rules you may well save someone’s life.

Trust the AED, it is your best friend in a real situation.

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