Defibrillators
When someone has a cardiac arrest defibrillation needs to be
prompt. For every minute that passes chances of survival decrease
by 14 per cent.
Research shows that applying a controlled shock within five
minutes of collapse provides the best possible outcome.
This indicates the need for defibrillators to be deployed
strategically in areas of greatest need – areas where there is a
high incidence of cardiac arrest and in areas where it is difficult
for an ambulance to get there quickly, e.g. rural areas, poor road
networks, traffic congestion or where large crowds gather.
What is a defibrillator?
A defibrillator is a machine that can restart the
heart by giving a electric shock in some cases of cardiac
arrest.
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a type of
defibrillator that detects the electrical activity in the heart and
gives automated instructions to the rescuer on what to do.
Supportive grant funding
Over 6,000 defibrillators have been placed in the community
since the BHF started donating them in 1996 to complement the work
of ambulance services. We know of at least 230 lives that have
been saved through our investment.
Grants can support the cost of a defibrillator, but provision
must be made by the applicant for ongoing maintenance. Every
individual application for funding is assessed by an independent
sub committee on its own merit against robust award
criteria.
For community based groups there is also a requirement that a
supervising medical director ensures that controls are in place for
adequate training of AED users, with periodic refresher
training.
This training and re-training must be provided by appropriately
qualified individuals, such as resuscitation officers, community
defibrillation officers, medical or nursing staff, ambulance
service trainers, or first aid trainers accredited in AED
training.
Basic life support skills must also be taught, assessed, and
refreshed in accordance with current Resuscitation Council
(UK).
For information on how to apply for funding please get in touch
using our Contact Us
form
GPs and defibrillators
Research shows that GPs equipped with defibrillators can improve
survival by up to 60% if the patient is treated immediately or soon
after entering cardiac arrest.
For information on how to apply for funding please get in touch
using our Contact Us
form
Gary's story
Find out how
Gary Humphries, 54, from Caerphilly, owes his life to
staff at his local leisure centre.
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