You’re likely familiar with defibrillators from popular media, with the device being used to jolt people out of cardiac arrest in dramatic fashion. However, these devices are far more nuanced than their medical drama depictions, and this article will help you understand how to use them properly.
The Device
Defibrillators, PADs (public access defibrillators) or AEDs (automated external defibrillators) are used to restart the heart of someone in cardiac arrest. Delivering a strong jolt of electricity to the heart can make the pulse resume its regular beating, disrupting the heart attack.
Where to find them
In the event of cardiac arrest in public, it’s important to know what to look for. If you are tending to the victim, it’s best to send someone else to find one.
PADs are clearly signposted, but call 999 or use a search programme if you aren’t confident. 999 operators will kindly guide you to the nearest one, whilst maps can help if you don’t have phone service.
How to use them
Being prepared for these scenarios is important, as although guidance is given by the defibrillators, being confident and having prior experience may be the difference between life and death. You can find emergency first aid training courses online from a specialist provider such as:https://www.tidaltraining.co.uk/emergency-first-aid-training-courses.
Most defibrillators now have built-in voice guidance, as well as visual prompts to help you understand the device, but we’ve provided step-by-step instructions so you know what to expect. Remember: call an ambulance as soon as possible.
Firstly, press the green button and follow the instructions. Remove the person’s clothing from over their chest (don’t let potential embarrassment prevent you from saving a life). Peel off and attach the sticky pads on each side of the chest (photos will guide you).
Once the pads are attached, allow the device to measure the heart’s rhythm. If a shock is needed, the device will prompt you to press the ‘shock’ button. Do not touch the person during this shock.
The defibrillator will analyse the heart again and prompt you to either perform CPR or shock them again. Keep going until an ambulance arrives.
FAQ
What does a defibrillator do?
A defibrillator is used to restart a heart that has stopped during a cardiac arrest. It gives the heart a powerful electrical shock, which can make the pulse resume its regular beating. You may also see them called by other names such as PADs (public access defibrillators) or AEDs (automated external defibrillators). The way these are used in reality is not as it is often portrayed on medical dramas.
How do I find a defibrillator in an emergency?
Public access defibrillators are clearly signposted, so look for the signs first. If you are with someone who needs a defibrillator, send someone else to go and get it, whilst you continue to give care to the collapsed victim. If you are unsure, you can either ring 999 and they will inform you where the closest public access defibrillator is, or view a map to locate a defibrillator should you have no phone signal.
How do you use a defibrillator step by step?
Call for an ambulance and then press the green button and follow the prompts. Remove any clothing from the chest of the casualty and place the sticky pads on each side of the chest, allowing the defibrillator to take a reading of the heart’s rhythm. If a shock is required press the button for ‘shock’ and do not touch the casualty. Continue to follow prompts until help arrives.
Do I need training to use a defibrillator?
It’s important to remember that most defibrillators now come with built-in voice guidance and visual prompts. However, having received some training and feeling confident in the situation may be the difference between life and death. There are online emergency first aid training courses available from specialist providers, such as Tidal Training.
