Defibrillator Information

A county-wide review of the location of defibrillators in and around the councils’  estate properties has now been completed.  Public access defibrillators (PADs) have been fitted outside selected buildings across the county including libraries, community support services, fire stations and our main offices.  This equipment is available for colleagues and members of the public to use in the event of an emergency where someone is in cardiac arrest.

STANTON HARCOURT: The defibrillator in Stanton Harcourt is located at the entrance to the Village Hall - the Parish Council are responsible for the upkeep of the Defibrillator

This is in effect a written briefing to explain the circumstances under which a defibrillator may be used, by who and how.

What is a defibrillator?

A defibrillator is a machine designed to deliver an electric shock to a person whose heart has stopped. Termed a cardiac arrest, this is different from, but may be caused by, a heart attack, where blood flow to the heart is impaired.

 

Why use a defibrillator?

When someone suffers sudden cardiac arrest, prompt action by anyone nearby offers their only realistic of survival.  If you come across someone in cardiac arrest:

• first make sure you are safe
• call 999 for an ambulance
• start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to provide the best chance of survival of the casualty.

Most people who survive will have needed a shock from a defibrillator to correct a chaotic heart rhythm. The earlier that shock is given, the better the person’s chance of survival.

Who can use a defibrillator?

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be used by a lay person with no formal training.  Their use relies on someone witnessing a person having a cardiac arrest and being prepared to use a defibrillator. 

They are designed to be used by anyone (giving visual and audio prompts), but first aiders are trained to use them. There are clear instructions on how to attach the defibrillator pads.  It then assesses the heart rhythm and will only instruct you to deliver a shock if it’s needed. 

 

How can I find my nearest defibrillator in an emergency?

They can be found on the outside of buildings in locked cabinets and are accessed by a code which is held by the ambulance service and local First Aiders.  When a 999 call is made, the service will advise on the location of the nearest public access defibrillator and provide the code.

For council installed defibrillators the equipment and the consumable items, such as adhesive pads, are maintained by Facilities Management to make sure that the defibrillator is always ready to use when it is needed.  If you do use one of our defibrillators, then please return it to the cabinet and inform the Fmservicedesk@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

 

More information

Further guidance about CPR and defibrillators is available on the British Heart Foundation website.

 

All public access defibrillators are registered with South Central Ambulance Service

For further information visit: https://www.scas.nhs.uk/news/campaigns/savealife/