A defibrillator is a high-energy device that supplies an electric shock to the heart through the chest of somebody experiencing a cardiac arrest. This shock process is known as defibrillation; a life-saving mechanism used in the chain of survival. Defibrillators are commonly used by medical practitioners; however, governing bodies are encouraging more civilians to learn how to use them.
An article published in The Telegraph in December 2017 stated that figures of people dying of cardiac arrest have risen as a result of poor public knowledge surrounding the use of defibrillators. This was brought to light by a recent survey conducted by the St John Ambulance charity, which used a YouGov poll to collect its data. Nearly two-thirds of participants claimed they would not know how to act when faced with a cardiac arrest. Also, seven out of 10 people would not feel comfortable using a defibrillator. Additionally, 62 percent of those surveyed wrongly believed that a defibrillator would cause harm to a patient. These eye-opening results have prompted the charity to launch a new campaign to educate the public on using defibrillation devices.
In 2016, the Arrhythmia Alliance—the UK’s leading heart rhythm charity—placed 3,000 automated external defibrillators in public spaces. As part of their ‘Defibs Save Lives’ campaign that started in 2013, the organisation aims to make defibrillators as commonplace as smoke alarms or fire extinguishers.
To use an automated external defibrillator (AED), first check if there is any water or puddles next to the person who is unconscious. Turn on the AED’s power; it will give you step-by-step text instructions as well as voice prompts. Expose the person’s chest, apply the sticky sensors as pictured on the AED’s instructions. Remove metal accessories. Check for any piercings or implanted devices and place the sensors away from them. Once you press ‘analyse’ the machine will check the person’s heartbeat and let you know if and when a shock is needed.
For more detailed instructions on how to use defibrillators, visit sja.org.uk.
