How to find a defibrillator nearby: Your essential guide

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, at any time. For every minute someone is in cardiac arrest without receiving CPR or having a defibrillator used, their chance of survival decreases by 10%. That’s why knowing how to quickly find a defibrillator nearby could save a life.

At Defib4Life, we know no-one wants to have to use a defibrillator in an emergency but, if the worst was to happen, we know you’d rather understand exactly how to locate your nearest Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) quickly and easily.

What is a defibrillator?

A defibrillator (AED) is a life-saving device that is designed to deliver a shock to someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest to restore a normal heartbeat. Defibrillators are designed to be easy to use, even by people with no medical training so that help can be given to increase chances of survival until an ambulance arrives or the person can be taken to hospital.

How to find a defibrillator near you

So, let’s have a look at exactly how you can find a defibrillator near you quickly and easily should you ever encounter an emergency situation.

1.      Use the National Defibrillator Network

The Circuit is the national defibrillator network that tells the NHS ambulance services where defibrillators are located across the UK. This is the most reliable source for finding AEDs in your area.

All you need to do is visit the Defib Finder website that integrates with The Circuit to show every registered defibrillator in the UK. This map will show the exact location, access times and sometimes instructions for use of the defibrillator.

Here’s a map of all the defibrillators in Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. As you can see, there are so many of them dotted around! For locations of defibrillators near you, take a look at Defib Finder.

2.      Check local community and council websites

Many local councils, community centres, sports clubs and businesses install AEDs and list their locations online. Try searching your town or borough’s official website for defibrillator locations near you.

3.      Look for AED signage in public places

Look around your local area for a green sign with a heart and a lightning bolt symbol. This indicates an AED is nearby. The defibrillators themselves are usually kept in a bright yellow cabinet so should be easy to spot.

Common locations include:

•      Shopping centres
•     Train stations and airports
•      Sports grounds and gyms
•     Schools and universities
•     Pubs and restaurants
•     Community centres and places of worship

4.      Ask local businesses and venues

If you’re out and about and can’t find any signage or defibrillator apps, ask a member of staff if they have a defibrillator on-site, they should be able to point you in the right direction.

5.      Call 999

If you’re involved in an incident with someone suffering a cardiac arrest, you can ring 999 and they will tell you exactly how to perform CPR and where your nearest defibrillator is so you can act quickly.

What if the defibrillator is in a locked cabinet?

Defibrillators located in public places will either be in an unlocked cabinet, in which case you can open the cabinet, grab the defibrillator and go. However, other defibrillators you encounter will be in a locked cabinet to protect them from theft or vandalism. If the cabinet is locked, call 999 for an ambulance and give the handler the number of the defibrillator written on the cabinet. They will be able to tell you the code to unlock the cabinet.

If you know you have a local defibrillator nearby, it’s useful to take note of whether it’s locked or unlocked before you need to use it.

How to use a defibrillator

No-one wants to have to use a defibrillator to save someone’s life but being prepared and knowing both where to find a defibrillator and how to use one can save precious time in an emergency situation.

If you encounter an emergency, follow these steps:

1.           Find the AED – whether you know where it is or need to call the ambulance service
2.       Call 999 immediately to alert them to the emergency
3.       Turn the AED on and follow the voice prompts
4.       Attach the electrode pads to the patient’s bare chest as indicated by the machine and the pad packaging
5.       The AED will analyse the heart rhythm and advice whether a shock is needed
6.       Deliver the shock if instructed to do so and continue CPR until paramedics arrive at the scene
7. Many people can be afraid that they might do more harm than good when using a defibrillator, but this is not possible. You can find out more about this in our blog: Can you kill someone by using an AED incorrectly?

Need an AED for your business or local area? Choose Defib4Life

At Defib4Life, we provide high-quality AEDs for businesses, schools, sports clubs and community groups across the UK. Here’s why so many customers trust us.

• Reliable products: We supply trusted AED brands with easy-to-follow instructions
•  Expert advice: Our team can help you choose the right device for your needs
• Installation & maintenance: We offer professional installation and ongoing servicing to keep your defib ready to save live
• Training courses: Learn how to use AEDs confidently with our training sessions
• Support for local communities: We help businesses and community groups by supplying essential equipment along with ongoing support.

Knowing how to find a defibrillator nearby can make all the difference in a cardiac emergency. Whether you’re at home, work, or out in public, use the resources above to find your nearest AED and even consider investing in your own for added peace of mind.

If you want to ensure your business or community has access to a defibrillator, contact us today for expert advice, AED options, installation and training.