A defibrillator (or defib or AED) is a life-saving piece of equipment that delivers a shock to the heart of someone in cardiac arrest. They’re designed to be used by anyone and don’t need any specialist training. Simply turn it on and follow the step-by-step voice instructions.
REMEMBER! If you need a defib in an emergency, call 999 immediately and speak to the ambulance service.
The device checks the person’s heart rhythm and will only tell you to give them a shock if it’s needed. You cannot shock yourself or someone else accidentally so they’re perfectly safe to use.
The moment someone has a cardiac arrest, the clock starts ticking. Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces their chances of survival.
In an emergency you should dial 999 and the operator will be able to tell you where your nearest device is but why not check in advance?
Defib Finder is an easy-to-use website that displays the latest information on defibrillator locations across the UK. Simply enter your location to find the nearest defibrillators to you. Then click on the defibrillator icons for further information, such as availability, access information and directions.
Data for the Defib Finder website is sourced from The Circuit, the national defibrillator network used by all 14 ambulance services across the UK. It enables ambulance services to locate the nearest defibrillator when 999 is called in response to a cardiac arrest.
You can access Defib Finder through your desktop computer, laptop or smart phone at www.defibfinder.uk
TOP TIP: Did you know that you can also find a defib in every school in England and Wales as well as every Tesco store throughout the country?
All North Wales First Aid courses include training in how to use a defibrillator. Find out more by choosing ‘COURSES’ from the menu above.