If you’re just about to purchase your first defibrillator, or any piece of first aid equipment for that matter, you may feel overwhelmed but fear not – we’re here to take away the confusion and provide the necessary information you need to make the correct choice.
What is an AED defibrillator?
Purchasing the correct defibrillator doesn’t need to be a difficult task. Let’s start with the definition so you’re fully aware of what you need to look out for.
An AED – Automated External Defibrillator – is the main piece of equipment used when someone is having a cardiac arrest. The defibrillators themselves typically include instructions and are designed to be used by anybody at the scene of a cardiac arrest. If you are a workplace or a community looking for training, we do offer these services also. Training does ensure as many people as possible within the close vicinity of the defibrillator’s location know what to do and who to contact in time of need.
The difference between an automatic and semi-automatic defibrillator
There are a couple of different types of defibrillators which you will need to decide between ahead of purchasing. While the differences are relatively minimal, we will cover them here so you’re aware.
Automatic
As the name suggests, an automatic defibrillator takes the pain and stress of the situation out of the equation. Using its software, as it is designed, it carries out the shock and heart restarting automatically. This kind of defibrillator is usually preferred by those who may be quite tentative when needing to use the equipment.
Semi-Automatic
A semi-automatic defibrillator is fairly similar to an automatic defibrillator, however, this kind requires the user to push a button ahead of the shock procedure. It is important that no other person touches the patient when administering the shock. The semi-automatic defibrillator requires a bit more interaction and user input.
When and why you should use a defibrillator
As we’ve mentioned, a defibrillator is used when a person has suffered a cardiac arrest. A cardiac arrest is when the typical heart rhythms are out of sync compared to what they normally are. If this is the case in someone, they will need to be shocked with either kind of defibrillator (automatic or semi-automatic) to get their heart along the same rhythm timing again.
It is important that the patient receives treatment from an emergency services professional so ensuring you phone 999 before you administer defibrillator treatment is a must. Once the 999 operator is aware of all the details surrounding the situation, they will run you through the CPR process whilst another person finds a defibrillator.
How to store a defibrillator
Within this, first time buyers guide, we’ll also cover how to store a defibrillator. Typically, whether you’re in an office building or a community centre, a defibrillator will be stored in an easily accessible place. This could be near reception or in a high foot-traffic hallway, for example. Storing the equipment in a place like this ensures it is highly visible and that the maximum amount of people as possible know of its location, especially when there’s an emergency.
To increase awareness of the defibrillator, we also offer defibrillator signage.
Maintenance of a defibrillator
Your defibrillator needs to be in fully operational order around the clock. To ensure it’s ready for its next use, you’ll have to check and maintain your equipment on a regular basis, especially after use. There are some particular areas which we’ll cover.
Regular Checks
In some cases of defibrillators, they will be able to perform a smart check using their own internal computer systems. This does however depend on the defibrillator itself and its own capabilities. You will need to check if your defibrillator has a smart screen and self-check ahead of purchase.
Extra Equipment
Any extra items your defibrillator comes with will need to also be checked regularly. This could include any safety equipment or replacement items such as pads. Checking these are in date and included ready for use is a must.
After Use
After each use of the defibrillator, you must ensure you clean the equipment, check the battery to make sure there’s enough charge for another use and replace any hygienic parts – pads for example. This removes the need to worry when the next use could roll around. We urge this as a very important area as, especially if the battery doesn’t have the correct level of charge, it may not even be usable when in need!
Explore our range
We have a vast range of defibrillators to choose from. We ensure to cover many brands and models to provide the largest possible variety for those looking for their first defibrillator model.
For any further enquiries, do feel free to get in touch with us and we’ll be able to shed some light on your first time buyer’s guide experience.