Facts about Public Access Defibrilators
One of the greatest inventions for the benefit of mankind is still causing confusion for many people out there and are still worried about what to do or how to get access to them and is also sadly being abused by the criminal element.
WHO CAN USE THEM?
Anyone can use them, they have been designed to be idiot proof and you simply switch it on and follow the verbal instructions given by the AED itself.
HOW DO I GET ACCESS TO THEM?
Simply dial 999
Give the operator the location code on the side of the box
Enter the unlock code given by the operator into the lock on the front of the box
HOW DO I USE THEM?
Here's a great little video for you that will show you what to do from start to finish:
Safety tips:
Do not use if in water or on metal surfaces, this is an electrical charge after all.
Bare skin is needed so use safety shears to remove shirts etc to expose bare chest.
Avoid metal objects, necklaces, under wire bras must be removed.
Pads must stick to the skin, hairy chests may prevent this so use the razor provided to shave the hair off and ensure pads stick.
If you suspect a pacemaker on the casualty then pads must be placed one at the front and one at the back
Pacemaker scar
Pacemaker pad placement
CAN I BE SUED IF IT GOES WRONG?
Just remember sadly not everyone can be save and loss of life can happen. As long as you have followed the instructions given by the 999 operator and the instructions given by the AED there is very little chance of ending up in court.
S.A.R.A.H Act 2015 (Soical, Action, responsibilities and Heroism Act) does apply here which basically states as long as your actions are just and for the benefit of scoiety or an individual then the act can apply and will help protect you.
This Act applies when a court, in considering a claim that a person was negligent or in breach of statutory duty, is determining the steps that the person was required to take to meet a standard of care. Standard of care refers to instructions given by the operator and the AED and you following those instructions to the letter.
A court must have regard to whether the alleged negligence or breach of statutory duty occurred when the person was acting for the benefit of society or any of its members. In other words were you acting in the correct way (following instructions correctly) and your intention was to help the casualty.
WHERE IS THE NEAREST ONE TO ME?
There are thousands supplied around the UK for all people to use, especially in rural areas where ambulance response time may be prolonged due to the geographical location or an area that has a high footfall or industrial workforce.
You can find your nearest public access defibrillator here.
DEFIBRILLATOR THEFTS
Sadly there are some people out there that like to steal these life saving equipment. They are fairly expensive and profitable for those people that like to steal for a living however all fisrt aiders and emergency services are asking the public the remain vigilant and report any suspicious people or activities around a public access defibrillator.