Also known as Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Defibrillators are devices that restore a normal heartbeat by sending an electric pulse or shock to the heart. They are used to prevent or correct an arrhythmia, a heartbeat that is uneven or that is too slow or too fast. Defibrillators can also restore the heart’s beating if the heart suddenly stops.
Different types of defibrillators work in different ways. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which are in many public spaces, were developed to save the lives of people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Even untrained bystanders can use these devices in an emergency. The chance of survival can be tripled by providing a person in cardiac arrest with early defibrillation.
The British Heart Foundation pioneered the UK programme in 2003 with the aim of getting as many AED’s distributed in public places.
It is estimated that sudden cardiac arrest out of hospital in Gibraltar result 90% in death. The use of an AED can increase the chance of survival by almost 70% if used within the first 5 minutes.
Who can use a defibrillator?
The lastest in defibrillation technology means that training is not a necessary requirement for the layperson. You don’t need to be trained to use a defibrillator –anyone can use it. Once the AED is switched on the PAD will guide the user with simple commands on how to attach the defibrillator pads. It will assess the heart rhythm and will only instruct you to deliver a shock if it’s needed.
There is no chance that the user can mistakenly ‘shock’ a person , even
If the button has been accidentally pressed, as the PAD will only work when it recognises a patient in cardiac arrest.
Defibrillators are normally located in public spaces like airports, shopping centres, community centres, tourist sites and bus stations. These defibrillators are known as public access defibrillators (PADs) as anyone can use them. The pads are green in colour and stored in an alarmed green wall mounted cabinet.
In Gibraltar they can be found at the following locations:
To help someone who is in cardiac arrest effectively, a defibrillator needs to be found as quickly as possible. For every minute it takes for the defibrillator to reach someone and deliver a shock, their chances of survival reduce by up to 10%.
For this reason The Gibraltar Cardiac Association have made it one of their priorities and have purchased two defibrillators with monies raised last year through different events and donations received and will shortly be presenting them to the GHA for them to be placed in two further strategic locations within the community.
How can I help?
In a recent survey, three quarters of people said they wouldn’t feel confident enough to act if they saw someone having a cardiac arrest. With more CPR training, the purchase of more defibrillators and creating greater awareness, we can change that.
If you would like to hear more about AED’s or are interested in CPR training please email us at gibraltarcardiac@gmail.com and we will get the information for you.
“ If you have a heart beat, there’s still time for your dreams”
