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Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are life-saving items of equipment which, when used with cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), can support survival from sudden cardiac arrest.
They are electrical devices that analyse the heart rhythm and administer an electric shock if necessary to try and restore a normal heart rhythm. AEDs are specifically designed to be used by members of the public as well as first responders in the event of a cardiac arrest. Early CPR and defibrillation is essential for survival. Increasing awareness of the need for CPR and the placement of AEDs in public places helps reduce the time delay between cardiac arrest and shock and increases the number of people able to respond to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
It increases the chances of survival by providing CPR and defibrillation before emergency services arrive on the scene.
Chain of Survival
Guernsey Public
Accessible Defibrillators
(PAD) Scheme
The Guernsey Public Accessible Defibrillator program has been co-ordinated by the Guernsey Cardiac Action Group. There are over 100 PAD sites around Guernsey.
Many of the cabinets and AEDs have been purchased following the generous donation of funds raised at the Skipton Swimarathon. Others have been purchased by local shops, businesses or individuals. St John staff and volunteers maintain and regularly check many of these sites.
Click button to access the Cardiac Action Group website for a map of PAD site locations.
Using an AED
All that is required to use an AED is to recognise that someone who has collapsed may have had a sudden cardiac arrest and to attach the two adhesive pads (electrodes) that are used to connect the AED to the patient’s bare chest.
Through these pads the AED can both monitor the heart’s electrical rhythm and deliver a shock when it is needed. The AED provides audible instructions and most models also provide visual prompts on a screen. The AED will analyse the heart’s electrical rhythm and if it detects a rhythm likely to respond to a shock, it will charge itself ready to deliver a shock.
The use of an AED is not restricted to trained rescuers. An AED can be used safely and effectively without any previous training by members of the public. However we do encourage members of the public to attend an AED training course to be able to use the equipment most efficiently together with providing basic life support techniques.
St John Training offers a course that teaches the essential skills that an AED operator needs. If you have an AED in your workplace, we recommend this dedicated 3-hour training for your first aiders – and for extra staff if possible – so they can learn to use your defibrillator quickly and confidently in an emergency. The course also teaches delegates how to perform effective CPR – a vital part of life saving when a cardiac arrest has occurred. No prior first aid knowledge is needed to attend.
Purchasing an AED
If you would like further information in obtaining an AED for private or business premises or to provide an AED which is fully accessible to members of the public, please contact us or call St John Training Services on 01481 736249.
Training
If you would like further details on courses provided by St John in Basic Life Support and the use of an AED please contact the training team on 01481 736249 or click here.
