Defibrillators

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time, in any place. In the UK, around 30,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year, and without quick intervention, survival rates drop rapidly. Every minute counts, which is why having access to a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death.

A defibrillator, or AED (Automated External Defibrillator), is a device designed to deliver a safe, controlled electric shock to a heart that isn’t beating properly. Its goal is to help the heart return to a normal rhythm, and could increase survival chances by 70%*. These devices are built to be used by anyone, even without any prior first aid training. When turned on, the AED gives clear, step-by-step voice instructions to guide you through the entire process, including where to place the pads and how to perform CPR. It will only deliver a shock if it detects it’s necessary, so there’s no risk of harming.

Defibrillators are increasingly being installed in public places — gyms, schools, community centres, workplaces, and construction sites — as well as outdoors in weatherproof, heated cabinets. These cabinets need to be installed by a qualified electrician to ensure the AED remains functional and protected in all conditions.

Why is a defibrillator needed?

A defibrillator is a crucial piece of kit; each year in the UK, around 30,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals. When someone goes into cardiac arrest, their chances of survival drop by 10% with every passing minute, and with average ambulance times at around 8 minutes, a defibrillator can help save lives. 

A cardiac arrest doesn’t discriminate. No matter health, age, or lifestyle, it can happen to anyone at any given moment. It would be in your best interest to have an AED for your employees, clients, or the general public. 

How is a defibrillator used?

An AED works by delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart during a cardiac arrest. Used alongside CPR to increase chances of survival, the defibrillator will deliver a shock to stop the heart and restart its natural rhythm.

The machine will instruct you on how to use the device. Supplied with sticky electrode pads that you place on the person’s chest, it gives clear voice and visual instructions, guiding you through every step. The AED will only deliver a shock if it detects that it’s needed — you can’t accidentally harm someone with it. It also helps you keep the correct rhythm while performing CPR. AEDs are designed for anyone to use, even without training, and they are suitable for both adults and children.

Can I be sued for using a defibrillator?

No, you won’t be sued for using a defibrillator to help save someone’s life. While some may be reluctant to use one, modern defibrillators are designed to only deliver a shock when it’s medically necessary. There’s no risk of accidentally using it on someone who doesn’t need it.

Automatic or semi-automatic defibrillator

The two types of defibrillators you will come across are either an automatic or semi-automatic AED. Both do the same thing and are vital lifesaving devices; however, they differ slightly in how the user delivers the shock.

Automatic defibrillators automatically deliver the shock that is required during a cardiac arrest. Once it has determined a shock is needed, it will warn those nearby to clear the casualty. After a short pause, the shock will be delivered.

A semi-automatic defibrillator requires a bit more from the user in that they will need to press a button to deliver the required shock. A user may feel a bit more uncomfortable being the one to physically deliver the shock; however, when every second counts, this could be a quicker option over the automatic defibrillator.

* Defibrillation within 3–5 min of a cardiac arrest can produce survival rates as high as 50%–70% (BMJ Emergency Medicine Journal)