So what exactly is an AED? And why do they seem to be located all over, including telephone boxes?
An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a very clever medical device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm, then if required, deliver an electrical shock (also known as defibrillation) to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.
Sudden cardiac arrest is among the leading causes of deaths. Currently, the only way to restore a regular heart rhythm during cardiac arrest is to use an AED, giving the patient a much higher chance of survival. For every 1 minute defibrillation is delayed, the odds of survival are reduced by approximately 10%, so having access to and AED and knowing how to use one, can be critical.
AED’s talk you through how to use them, step by step. Once you have placed the pads in the appropriate places, it will ONLY shock the casualty if it can not detect a heartbeat taking the worry away from you about whether you should be shocking them or not.
Once you call 999, the responder will advise you of the nearest AED location and if it is in a locked location, they will advise you of the pin number to access it.
If you have an AED on your premises, make sure you register it on the Arrhythmia Alliance website where you can also locate your nearest AED
We train in the use of AED’s on most of our First Aid courses and also offer a specific AED training course which is aimed at organisation’s who either have or are looking to purchase an AED and require training.
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