A public access defibrillator is also known as an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

If you are in an emergency situation and you think you need a defibrillator, call 999 immediately. The emergency services operator will tell you where the nearest AED is situated and how to access it.

They will instruct you to stay and administer CPR to the patient while someone else goes for the AED. If you do not have someone with you, stay with the patient and wait for an ambulance or First Responder to bring an AED.

There are two defibrillators in the Parish - one located on the front wall of the Astwood Village Hall and one outside The Close in Hardmead.  They are available 24 hours a day.  When you call 999 the operator will give you the key code to access the cabinet of the nearest available AED. No training is required to operate these machines.  They are intuitive to use and provide instructions as soon as they are turned on.

The maintenance and management of the AEDs is undertaken by volunteer Parish AED guardians.