Cardiac arrest is a serious condition that can cause the heart to suddenly stop beating. It is a leading cause of premature death and can happen to anyone, regardless of age or health status. In a cardiac arrest, the heart's steady rhythm is often replaced by disorganised electrical activity called ventricular fibrillation (VF). This means that the heart is no longer able to pump blood effectively to the rest of the body, which can lead to serious complications and even death.

The good news is that if VF is treated quickly by an electrical shock (defibrillation), there is a greater chance of the person's life being saved. This is why it is so important to act quickly if you suspect someone is experiencing a cardiac arrest. Time is of the essence, and every second counts when it comes to saving someone's life.

A defibrillator, also known as an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), is a life-saving device used to treat sudden cardiac arrest. It is a portable electronic device that is designed to deliver an electric shock to the heart in order to restore its normal rhythm. When someone collapses from sudden cardiac arrest, the AED can be used to deliver a shock to the heart that can help restore normal rhythm. The device is safe to use by the general public, and very effective when in use. They are easy for anyone to use, even if they have no medical training.

One of the key benefits of using an AED is that it requires little maintenance and can be stored for long periods of time.

Using a defibrillator (AED) can be the difference between life and death in the event of a cardiac arrest. If you find yourself in a situation where someone has collapsed, is unresponsive, and not breathing normally, recognizing that they may have had a cardiac arrest is the first step.

1. Once you've recognized that someone may have had a cardiac arrest, the next step is to attach the two adhesive pads (electrodes) that connect the AED to the person's bare chest.

2. After attaching the electrodes, switch on the AED.

3. Follow the instructions given by the device. The AED will typically provide voice prompts that will guide you through the process of using the device, which includes analysing the person's heart rhythm and delivering a shock if necessary.

After using an AED,  the ambulance service will require access to the device's downloaded memory to see what steps were taken during treatment. This information can be crucial in providing appropriate ongoing care.

It's also important to remember that an AED will only shock a shockable heart rhythm. This means that if someone has flatlined or has no electrical activity in their heart, an AED will not be effective.

Yes, defibrillators, specifically modern AEDs, are safe to use. First of all, it's important to understand that modern AEDs are designed to be user-friendly and easy to use. They have simple instructions that guide the user through the process of applying the pads to the patient's chest and delivering the shock if necessary. The device will not deliver a shock unless the heart rhythm is identified as shockable, meaning it's not functioning properly. Therefore, there is no need to worry about accidentally shocking someone who doesn't need it.

It's also reassuring to know that AEDs cannot shock a functioning heart. They are programmed to analyse the heart rhythm and only deliver a shock if it detects a specific type of abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation. This means that if someone collapses and you suspect they may be experiencing SCA, using an AED is a safe way to potentially save their life.

AEDs are user friendly and not to be feared.

Yes, there is definitely training available to use a defibrillator, and it's highly recommended that you take the course if you're in a position where you may need to use one. At sister company, STS First Aid, we offer an AED Defibrillator Training Course that covers all the necessary skills and knowledge required to effectively use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This course is a Level 3 qualification, fully accredited, and lasts for 4 hours.

During the course, you'll learn how to assess a casualty and determine whether or not they require defibrillation. You'll also be taught how to safely operate an AED, including how to attach the pads correctly and how to deliver a shock. Additionally, you'll learn how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on a casualty who's experiencing cardiac arrest.

Once you've completed the course, you'll receive a Level 3 certification that's valid for 3 years. This certification is evidence that you're competent and confident in using an AED and can be invaluable if you ever need to use your skills in an emergency situation.

Defibrillators are life-saving devices that can be used to revive a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. While the use of defibrillators has become more common in recent years, there is still a significant lack of AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) in public places. The following places are common and have these:

Schools, Colleges, and Universities: AEDs should be installed in all schools, colleges, and universities as these places have a large number of students, staff, and visitors. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or health condition. Having an AED on-site can save lives in case of an emergency.

Retail Stores and Shopping Centres: Retail stores and shopping centres are high-traffic areas that attract a large number of people daily. Installing defibrillators in these premises can help save lives in case of sudden cardiac arrest.

Charities: Charities are often involved in community events and gatherings where people come together to participate in various activities. Having an AED on-site can help ensure the safety of participants in case of sudden cardiac arrest.

GP Practices, Dental Surgeries, and Health Centres: GP practices, dental surgeries, and health centres deal with patients who may have pre-existing medical conditions that put them at risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

Care Homes and Facilities: Care homes and facilities cater to elderly people who may be at a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Installing AEDs in these premises can help ensure the safety and well-being of residents.

Sports Centres and Sports Clubs: Sports centres and sports clubs host a large number of athletes and spectators who may be at risk of sudden cardiac arrest due to the physical exertion involved in sports activities.

Councils and Occupational Health Depts: Councils and occupational health departments deal with employees who may be at risk of sudden cardiac arrest due to their work environment.

NHS Trusts: NHS trusts deal with patients who may have pre-existing medical conditions that put them at risk.

Warehouses and Distribution Centres: Warehouses and distribution centres deal with a large number of employees who may be at risk of sudden cardiac arrest due to the physical demands of their work.

Construction Sites: Construction sites are high-risk environments where accidents can happen at any time.

Refineries and Power Plants: Refineries and power plants deal with hazardous materials and machinery that can cause accidents leading to sudden cardiac arrest.

Stadia and Public Areas: Stadia and public areas attract a large number of people during events and gatherings.

Transport Hubs i.e. Train Stations, Bus Stations, and Airports:  These areas tend to be crowded, which increases the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

Defibrillators are an important piece of life-saving equipment that can help to restart someone's heart in the event of a cardiac arrest. While it is rare for a child to require a shock from an automated external defibrillator (AED), it is important to understand the guidelines around their use for children.

According to the paediatric advanced life support guidelines 2015, if an AED is used on a child under the age of eight, a paediatric attenuated shock energy should be used if possible. This means that the energy level of the shock should be adjusted to suit the child's size and weight.  It's important to note that AEDs should only be used in limited circumstances for children under one year old. In these cases, it is best to rely on CPR and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

If an AED is located in a school or other public place, there should be a device or ability to attenuate the energy level available, and training should be provided in the machine's use. This ensures that those who may need to use the AED understand how to adjust the energy level for a child and can do so quickly and confidently.

AEDs are safe to use on pregnant women as it would be for non-pregnant women. It is important to take caution when placing the pads on a pregnant woman's chest to ensure they are in the correct position. The pads should be placed above and below the left breast and on the right side of the chest. This placement avoids any direct contact with the foetus and ensures that the electric shock is delivered directly to the mother's heart.

When it comes to defibrillators, it's important to be prepared for any situation. In addition to the defibrillator itself, there are a few key items that you should keep with you.

Firstly, you will need a towel, tissues, or wipes to dry the casualty's chest if it is wet or sweaty. This is important because sweat or moisture on the chest can interfere with the defibrillator's ability to deliver an effective shock. By drying the chest beforehand, you can ensure that the shock will be delivered properly.

Secondly, you will need a razor to shave the casualty's chest. This is because hair can also interfere with the defibrillator's ability to deliver a shock.

Thirdly, you will need scissors to cut away the casualty's clothing. It may be necessary to remove clothing in order to access the chest and apply the defibrillator pads.

Lastly, it's important to have a face shield for administering CPR.

The main difference between fully and semi-automatic AEDs is that a fully automatic defib will administer the shock to the patient whereas the semi-automatic defib will ask for the user to press the "shock" button to deliver the shock to the patient. Again, it is important to emphasise that no AED unit will allow you to deliver or will automatically deliver a shock itself to a patient, unless it is safe and necessary to do so.

So, which one should you choose? Well, it really depends on the environment the AED will be placed in and who will most likely require treatment. In a busy public space where there may not be medical professionals nearby, a fully automatic defib may be the best choice as it can quickly administer a shock without requiring any additional input from the user. However, in an environment where trained medical professionals are present, a semi-automatic defib may be more appropriate as they will be able to assess the patient and determine when it is safe and necessary to administer a shock.

Take into consideration the environment the AED will be placed in, who will most likely require treatment. If you require any help and assistance on the best one to purchase our team are dedicated, very knowledgeable and more than happy to assist you.

When it comes to choosing a defibrillator, there are a few factors to consider, namely whether you should go for a fully automatic or semi-automatic AED.

It's also worth considering the ease of use of the defib. Some models may have more complicated instructions or require more training than others. Make sure to choose a model that is user-friendly and easy to understand.

If you're still unsure which defibrillator to choose, don't hesitate to get in touch -  we will help  you with more specific guidance and help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and circumstances.

When it comes to placing a defibrillator, it is important to keep in mind that they must be accessible without delay. This means that they should be placed where they are most likely to be needed, in a prominent position, with clear signs to direct people to them.

Another important factor to consider when placing an AED is visibility. You want to make sure that the device is easy to see, so that people can quickly locate it in an emergency. This means placing it in a well-lit area and avoiding areas where it may be obstructed by other objects or signage. It is also important to make sure that anyone working near a defibrillator is aware of it and its purpose. This includes training employees on how to use the device and encouraging them to be trained in CPR. The more people who are trained and familiar with the device, the more likely it is that someone will be able to use it in an emergency.

Finally, it is important to regularly maintain and test your AED to ensure that it is functioning properly. This includes checking the battery life and expiration dates on pads and other components, as well as conducting regular practice drills with employees.

Delivery times can vary depending on where you are located. Generally speaking, orders that are processed through our system here will take approximately 5-7 business days to arrive at your doorstep.

However, if you are located overseas, you can expect delivery to take anywhere from 7-16 days. This is due to a variety of factors, including customs clearance and transportation times across different regions. We want to make sure that your order arrives in a timely manner, but we also want to ensure that it is delivered safely and securely.

Once you place your order, we will send you a confirmation email that includes all of the delivery details you need to know. This will include an estimated delivery date, as well as any tracking information that is available so you can keep tabs on your package as it makes its way to you.

We use all major carriers, and local courier partners. You’ll be asked to select a delivery method during checkout.

We always aim for make sure our customers love our products, but if you do need to return an order, we’re happy to help. Just email us directly and we’ll take you through the process.

Defibrillators range from £800 to £2500 and vary depending on model and make.

All models come with voice control as standard, there are models with additional features of WIFI enabled, LCD display and real time CPR feedback.