New Parish Defibrillators

You might hear it called as a defib, a PAD (public access defibrillator), and/or an AED (automated external defibrillator). It is a device that gives a high-energy electrical charge shock to the heart when it stops suddenly, known as a cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest can happen to anybody, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. Victims will likely die unless a defibrillator is used straight away.

THE FACTS

East Midlands (Cat 1) 999 ambulance response times to life-threatening situations are aimed at 7 minutes. In 2023 however, they averaged between 7 to 15 minutes.

A defib is most effective when administered in the 1st minute, with a 90% chance of survival when used in conjunction with CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation).

Used within 3 to 5 minutes alongside CPR, there is a 75-79% chance of survival, showing that having this equipment close by really does give you the best chance of surviving a cardiac arrest!

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY

1. When someone loses consciousness and stops breathing, help them by first calling 999. The emergency services will talk you through how to perform CPR while they are sending medical assistance.
2. Meanwhile, they will establish if another person is able to locate the nearest Defib, the emergency services have access to registered locations and access key codes for you to be able to open the equipment’s casing where it is stored.
3. All Defibs have easy to follow pictures and information of how to remove clothing, and where to place the two electrical pads.
4. The device speaks with clear instructions, so you know when to press the ‘shock’ button, when to keep clear, when to stop and/or resume CPR. All the while, the pads are assessing the heartbeats rhythm.
5. This should be continued until the person shows signs of life, and/or until the emergency services arrive to take over.

Thankfully, defibrillators allow members of the public to become lifesavers when it is most unexpected. To learn CPR, and or read more about this or about defibrillators visit: www.bhf.org.uk

By Cllr Gemma Palmer

WHERE IS THE NEAREST DEFIBRILLATOR?
These are all available for use 24/7.

HOLBECK

•  The Post Office at Holbeck Woodhouse

CUCKNEY

• The Greendale Oak
• The Cricket Club (If the white barrier is down, climb the barrier to gain access to the defib)

NORTON

• The Greendale Oak

Is your defib registered? Go to https://www.defibshop.co.uk/register-yourdefibrillator to register your defib with the Emergency Services