The Importance of Registering Your Defibrillator to The Circuit: Everything You Need to Know

An AED (automated external defibrillator) is a powerful piece of life saving equipment for your school, workplace or community. The device will deliver a shock to a person’s heart if they’re suffering from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) which can cause death within minutes if not treated quickly.

A defibrillator is designed to be used by anyone, with no training required and can increase the chances of survival by 50-70% when used within the first 3-5 minutes of the cardiac arrest occurring.

However, simply having an AED isn’t enough. Emergency services need to know that your device exists and where it is located to be able to direct responders to it during an incident.

That’s why registering your defibrillator on The Circuit, the UK’s National Defibrillator Network, is one of the most important steps you can take once you’ve installed your defibrillator.

What is The Circuit?

The Circuit is a database of all defibrillators in the UK and is used by all 14 ambulance services across the country. It was created by The British Heart Foundation, NHS Ambulance Trusts, St John Ambulance and The Resuscitation Council UK to connect all registered AEDs to emergency services in real time.

It acts as a continuously updated map that shows exactly where every registered defibrillator is located, whether it’s publicly accessible and whether it’s in working order.

This means that when a 999 call is made, call handlers can quickly identify the nearest working AED and direct responders straight to it.

If your AED is not registered, it won’t show up on the system, so responders won’t be directed to it in an emergency and it won’t be available to save a life if needed. Even if your defibrillator isn’t publicly accessible (such as in an outdoor cabinet) you should register your device because you never know when it might be needed.

Why is it so important to register your defibrillator?

Once you’ve bought and installed your defibrillator, you might think that it’s enough and that you’re protecting your school, workplace or community. However, registering it with The Circuit turns it from a piece of equipment that’s left in a drawer somewhere into a lifesaving resource.

Here’s why registering your AED is so important:

• Survival depends on speed: When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, responders being able to act quickly is essential. Every minute without defibrillation reduces survival rates by 10%. Ambulances are often unable to arrive in time to deliver the first shock but a defibrillator located a few houses away might safe the person if the emergency services can direct responders to it.
• Unregistered AEDs are invisible: If your device is not registered, emergency services can’t see it to direct responders to it and it may never be used even if an incident occurs nearby.
• Your AED is only recommended when its rescue ready: Community AEDs are often not maintained so batteries or pads may be out of date or may be inaccessible at certain times of the day. Registering with The Circuit means emergency services know your AED is operational and helps them to avoid directing someone to devices that don’t work.
• You get reminders to keep your AED rescue ready: Once you register your device, you become the Guardian so you’ll receive regular reminders to maintain your defibrillator, check for expiry dates and replaces pads and batteries when needed. This ensures your defibrillator stays ready for use in an emergency.
• Your AED may help to save a life: Registering your device means emergency services know where your AED is, can help responders to locate it and extends the impact of your device far beyond your workplace, school or community.

How to register your defibrillator on The Circuit

Registering your defibrillator is quick, easy and doesn’t cost a penny. And, you don’t need any specialist knowledge to do it.

1. Visit The Circuit

Visit: https://thecircuit.uk/ and click ‘Register Your Device’

2. Sign in or Create an Account

You’ll be directed to sign in or create an account. Just add your details and agree to become the AED’s Guardian. You can also assign others as the guardian.

3. Add your defibrillator’s details

Once you’ve signed in or created an account, you’ll be asked for details of your AED. This will include:

• Where your defibrillator is located
• It’s accessibility
• Technical details such as make and model, expiry dates and serial number
• Storage information such as whether it’s in a cabinet, whether it’s locked or unlocked and whether it’s alarmed

4. Agree to Guardian responsibilities

As the defibrillator’s guardian, you’ll agree to checking your defibrillator on a regular basis and to update The Circuit on any changes such as where it’s located or if it’s out of service.

5. Complete

After completing these steps, your device will be fully registered.

By registering your device to The Circuit, you will make a difference in saving lives. Don’t let your defibrillator go unnoticed or unused.

What happens once your AED has been registered?

As part of your registration with The Circuit, you will receive regular reminders to check the status of your AED as well as reminders when your pads or batteries expire. You’ll also have a dashboard that will enable you to manage multiple defibrillators so you can keep track of multiple devices. This is particularly helpful for community guardians or if you have AED in multiple buildings.

Most importantly, you will be notified if your defibrillator has been deployed in an emergency so you can carry out necessary checks to get it rescue ready again and so you can let The Circuit know it’s rescue ready again.

Registration with The Circuit is simple, but it could save a life

Installing a defibrillator is a great investment in the safety of your community, workplace or school. Registering it with The Circuit will ensure it not only protects your organisation, it can be used by anyone when an emergency occurs.

Register your AED today: https://thecircuit.uk/

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team if you have any questions about registering your AED. At Defib4Life, we’re committed to equipping everyone with the skills and knowledge needed to save a life. Get in touch with our expert team.