All About Defibrillators –
What They Are and How to Use Them
Cardiac arrests can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. In the UK alone, around 30,000 such incidents occur annually outside of hospitals. Unfortunately, fewer than 10% of those affected survive. However, with prompt emergency treatment, survival chances can leap by an astounding 80%.
Immediate actions, such as performing CPR and administering shocks with an AED within the first four minutes, are critical for survival. Yet, the reality is stark: the average ambulance response time in urban areas is around eleven minutes, while in other parts of the UK, it averages eight minutes.
Approximately 20% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in public spaces. In such cases, the victim's survival often depends on the public's ability to perform CPR and access to a defibrillator.
CPR alone can double the likelihood of survival. However, when combined with the use of a defibrillator, the chance of survival can soar from around 6% to an impressive 74%.
What Are AEDs?
AEDs, or Automated External Defibrillators, are devices designed to assess heart rhythms and, if necessary, deliver an electric shock to help re-establish a normal rhythm. These lifesaving tools are often seen in public places such as supermarkets, transport hubs, airports, and other high-traffic areas. They are typically housed in brightly colored boxes for easy identification.
How a Defibrillator Works:
An AED detects if someone is in a shockable heart rhythm and guides the user through the process with clear audio instructions. Contrary to popular belief, AEDs do not "jump start" the heart like a car; rather, they stop it briefly, allowing the heart's natural pacemaker cells to reset and hopefully restore a regular rhythm.
The device delivers a shock if it detects an abnormal rhythm that is shockable, allowing the heart to potentially resume a normal beat. AEDs are used alongside CPR to increase the chances of survival during a cardiac arrest.
Research indicates that deploying a defibrillator within 3–5 minutes of collapse can result in survival rates as high as 50–70%.
Where to Find AEDs
AEDs are increasingly accessible in various locations including train and tube stations, shopping centers, dental and GP practices, sports grounds, and leisure centers. They are available for public use and can be either semi-automatic, requiring the user to press a button to deliver a shock, or fully automatic, which delivers the shock automatically when needed.
Apps for AED Location:
Several apps can help locate the nearest AED, such as HeartStart, Pulse Point AED, and Good Sam. These apps also connect with first responders in the vicinity, providing additional support.
Why Are Defibrillators Important?
Defibrillators are essential for increasing the chances of survival following a cardiac arrest. While CPR helps circulate blood and maintain oxygen flow to the brain and heart, an AED is crucial for restoring a viable heart rhythm.
Most sudden cardiac arrests are caused by ventricular fibrillation (VF), a rapid and erratic heart rhythm. AEDs are designed to be used only when necessary, as they will only deliver a shock if the heart is in a shockable rhythm such as VF or Ventricular Tachycardia.
Crucially, you cannot administer a shock if it is not needed, making AEDs safe and reliable in emergency situations.
Chain of Survival
The "Chain of Survival" refers to the critical steps needed to ensure the best possible outcome in the event of a cardiac arrest. This includes early recognition of the problem, immediate call for help, initiation of CPR, use of a defibrillator, and quick transfer to advanced medical care.
Legislative Changes
The Defibrillators Availability Bill, first introduced in Parliament in 2018, underscores the importance of having AEDs in public spaces. It also emphasizes the need for awareness and training, ensuring people are equipped to use these devices. As of September 2020, CPR training has become a mandatory part of the National Curriculum in England, ensuring that all young people are trained in CPR and defibrillator use by the time they leave secondary school.
Learn More: Online Condensed Emergency First Aid at Work – with Covid-19 updates
What Employers Need to Know
While it is not mandatory for employers to purchase AEDs under the Health and Safety (First Aid) regulations of 1981, it is highly recommended if a needs assessment indicates a potential benefit. In such cases, employers should ensure that staff are adequately trained in AED use.
How to Use an AED
Many lives have been saved thanks to the prompt and appropriate use of defibrillators. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, the chances of survival decrease by approximately 10%. Here’s how to use an AED:
Activate the AED: This is usually done by opening the lid or pressing a button. The AED will then begin to provide instructions.
Check for Danger: Ensure the area is safe.
Response: If the victim is unresponsive, shout for help. If possible, have someone call for an ambulance and locate an AED.
Airway: Open the airway and check for breathing.
Breathing: If the victim is not breathing normally (fewer than 2 breaths in 10 seconds), begin CPR.
If you are alone:
Call emergency services and retrieve the AED as quickly as possible.
If you have help:
Have a bystander call for emergency services and retrieve the AED while you begin CPR.
CPR Guidelines:
Push down 5-6 cm on the center of the chest at a rate of about 2 compressions per second.
After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.
COVID-19 Considerations:
Place a cloth/towel over the victim's mouth and nose to reduce the risk of infection.
Perform chest compressions only, if there are concerns about potential infection.
Common Myths About Defibrillators
Myth: Defibrillators are complicated. Reality: AEDs are designed to be user-friendly and guide users through the process step-by-step.
Myth: Only medically trained individuals can use defibrillators. Reality: AEDs are available for public use, and no specific training is required, though CPR training is beneficial.
Myth: Defibrillators "jump start" the heart. Reality: AEDs work by stopping the heart, allowing it to reset and hopefully return to a normal rhythm.
Myth: You could make things worse. Reality: AEDs will not deliver a shock unless it's necessary, so you can't accidentally harm someone.
Myth: Defibrillators are always effective. Reality: While they significantly increase the chances of survival, not every cardiac arrest can be successfully treated.
Myth: You need to wait until the heart has stopped before using an AED. Reality: The sooner the AED is used, the better the chances of survival.
Myth: Defibrillators are too expensive. Reality: Quality AEDs are available for less than £650.
Myth: You can't use them on children. Reality: AEDs can be used on children, with adult pads placed on the chest and back if pediatric pads are not available.
Myth: You don't need to do CPR if you're using a defibrillator. Reality: CPR is crucial in maintaining blood flow and should be performed alongside defibrillation.
Myth: Paramedics will always arrive in time. Reality: With emergency services often stretched thin, it’s unlikely they will arrive within the critical first 3 minutes.
Defibrillators are an invaluable tool in saving lives during cardiac emergencies. Their availability and proper use, along with quality CPR, can dramatically improve survival rates. As more people become trained in their use, we can hope to see outcomes improve to the levels seen in countries like Sweden.
Life Force First Aid provide award-winning first aid training tailored to your needs. Please visit our site and learn more about our practical and online courses. It is vital to keep your skills current and refreshed. We are currently providing essential training for individuals and groups across the UK. These are ideal as refreshers for regulated qualifications or as Appointed Person qualifications.
You can attend a fully regulated Practical or Online First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency. Please visit www.lifeforcefirstaid.co.uk or call 07725 574233 for more information about our courses.
Life Force First Aid is a multi-award-winning, fully regulated first aid training provider. Our trainers are highly experienced medical, health and emergency services professionals who will tailor the training to your needs. Courses for groups or individuals at our venue or yours.
First Aid for life provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. We are not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken on this information.
