Every year in the UK, there are more than 30,000 sudden cardiac arrests, and the chance of survival is less than 10%. However, with the use of a defibrillator, this number increases to 50-80%, installing an AED (automated external defibrillator) could save lives.

Defibrillator Guardian Responsibilities

Every defibrillator should have a guardian. A defibrillator guardian is the person responsible for ensuring that the defibrillator is always rescue-ready.

Purchasing A Defibrillator

When choosing what type of AED to purchase, you should consider the following:

• Budget
• Location
• Who will be using it
• Who it could be used on.

Budget

Before you purchase an AED, create a budget that regards ongoing costs. Depending on the make, you will need to replace your electrode pads every 2-5 years, and your battery every 4-5 years. Keep in mind, however, that if the defibrillator is used in an emergency, the pads may need to be replaced immediately, which could lead to additional unplanned expenses. Budgeting for these recurring costs ensures the device is always ready for use.

We offer a range of AEDs that are compatible with a variety of budgets, if you would like help finding the best defibrillator to suit your budget, speak to our sales team today at 01629 710 128, or email us at sales@defib4life.co.uk.

Location

All defibrillators come with an Ingress Protection (IP) rating, which indicates the device’s level of protection against dust and water. This rating is important in determining how well a defibrillator can withstand various environmental conditions. Most AEDs have an IP rating of 55, meaning they are resistant to limited amounts of dust and can handle splashes of water, such as rain. However, if you’re planning to store the defibrillator in a more demanding environment, such as an industrial setting where dust, moisture, or other contaminants are more prevalent, you may want to choose a defibrillator with a higher IP rating for enhanced protection.

In addition to the IP rating, you should also consider the defibrillator’s drop-test rating, which measures the device’s durability in the event of an accidental drop. A defibrillator with a 1-meter drop-test rating has been proven to function properly after being dropped from a height of 1 meter. If you’re looking for a more robust device that can endure tougher handling or potential impacts, seek defibrillators with a drop-test rating of 1 meter or higher. This ensures that the device will continue to work reliably even in rough or unpredictable conditions.

Who Will Be Using It

If your AED is intended for public access, it’s important to consider that it may be used by individuals with little or no formal CPR or defibrillator training. In such cases, user-friendliness becomes a critical factor in choosing the right device. To ensure ease of use in an emergency, we recommend selecting an AED with clear visual and audible prompts. These prompts guide the user through each step of the resuscitation process, from placing the pads to delivering a shock, making it easier for untrained bystanders to respond effectively and confidently during a cardiac emergency.

If your budget allows, it’s also highly beneficial to invest in a defibrillator with CPR feedback technology. This feature provides real-time guidance on the quality of chest compressions, including depth and speed, helping the user perform CPR more effectively. Devices with CPR feedback can improve the chances of survival by ensuring that CPR is administered correctly, even by someone with limited experience. For public-access defibrillators, the combination of intuitive prompts and CPR feedback can make a significant difference in how quickly and accurately life-saving care is provided.

Who It Could Be Used On

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) does not discriminate and can affect individuals of any age. In fact, 1.8% of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK in 2022 occurred in individuals under 15 years old. This highlights the importance of ensuring that AEDs are suitable for both adults and children. Due to differences in physiology, especially in children under 8 years old, a lower energy shock is required to restart the heart. Delivering the same shock intended for adults could be harmful, so young children require special child pads designed to administer a reduced shock level.

Some AEDs are equipped with both child and adult capabilities, making them more versatile and user-friendly in emergencies involving children. These devices eliminate the need to carry separate child pads by allowing the user to easily switch between adult and child settings. In such AEDs, you either press a dedicated button or insert a “child key” to inform the device that the patient is a child, automatically adjusting the shock level to suit pediatric needs. This feature is especially useful in public settings or multi-purpose facilities, where both adults and children may need assistance, ensuring that the AED can be used effectively regardless of the victim’s age.

Installation

You can choose to install your defibrillator either indoors or outdoors, depending on the needs of your location. For indoor installations, make sure the device is placed in an easily accessible, visible area, such as a hallway, reception area, or near the entrance, with clear signage directing people to its location. Storing it in a protective cabinet or bracket ensures that it is both secure and ready for immediate use.

If you opt for an outdoor installation, it’s essential to use a weatherproof, heated cabinet to protect the defibrillator from environmental factors such as extreme temperatures, rain, or snow.

Internal Cabinets

If you plan to house your defibrillator indoors, it is crucial to store it in a way that ensures it is easily accessible and highly visible in case of an emergency. Suitable storage options include an internal wall-mounted cabinet or an open bracket, both of which allow quick and direct access. However, it’s important to avoid placing your AED in a hidden or hard-to-reach location, such as inside a cupboard or behind other objects, as this could significantly delay its use during a time-sensitive cardiac emergency. To ensure the AED can be easily located by anyone, whether they are familiar with the building or not, it is essential to provide clear signage.

In certain environments, such as schools, offices, or other public spaces, you may opt for additional security measures, like storing the defibrillator in a locked or alarmed cabinet. A locked cabinet provides peace of mind by protecting the device from potential tampering or theft, while an alarm alerts others when the AED is accessed. These features can help ensure the AED is available when needed but still secure when not in use. Just make sure that in case of an emergency, authorised personnel or a key is readily available to unlock the cabinet quickly. The balance between security and accessibility is key to making sure the AED is used effectively when the situation demands it.

External Cabinets

If you plan to house your defibrillator outdoors, it’s essential to choose a storage method that protects the device from the elements while keeping it highly accessible and visible for quick use in emergencies. Outdoor defibrillators are typically stored in weatherproof, heated cabinets. The cabinet should be installed in a prominent, easily accessible location, and must be accompanied by clear signage, including the internationally recognised AED symbol, to ensure that it can be found quickly when needed.

While unlocked cabinets are generally preferred for outdoor defibrillators, as they allow for immediate access without delay, some situations may require the use of a locked cabinet to prevent tampering or theft. If you opt for a locked cabinet, it is critical to upload the lock code to the Circuit. This ensures that emergency services call handlers can relay the code to rescuers, so they can access the code quickly during a crisis. Balancing security and accessibility is key; the lock should not hinder the defibrillator’s availability during an emergency, so it’s important that the lock code is shared and easily accessible through the appropriate channels.

However, whether the cabinet is locked or unlocked, internal or external, the priority should always be on ensuring the defibrillator can be retrieved swiftly, potentially saving a life when every second counts.

Registering On The Circuit

No matter where you choose to place your defibrillator, if it can be accessed by the public, it is essential to register it on The Circuit. The Circuit is a national defibrillator network that connects your device with emergency services. By registering your AED on The Circuit, emergency services call handlers can locate your defibrillator and direct rescuers to it in the event of a nearby cardiac arrest, dramatically increasing the chances of saving a life.

When registering your defibrillator on The Circuit, you should upload key details about the device, including its exact location, model, and expiry dates for both the pads and battery. It’s also important to note whether the defibrillator has pediatric pads or child capabilities. Additionally, you should provide information on the hours of accessibility—whether it’s available 24/7 or only during specific times—as well as instructions on how to access the device. If the AED is stored in a locked cabinet, be sure to include the lock code in the registration, ensuring it can be quickly retrieved by those in need.

It is essential to regularly update The Circuit with the latest information about your defibrillator to ensure it remains an effective tool in life-saving emergencies. Every time you perform a routine check on your AED, such as inspecting the pads and battery or confirming the device’s readiness, you should promptly update this information in The Circuit. Keeping these details up to date allows emergency services to provide accurate guidance about the AED’s availability and condition when directing rescuers.

If your defibrillator is used in an emergency, it’s equally important to inform The Circuit immediately that the device is temporarily unavailable. After use, the pads and sometimes the battery will need to be replaced before the AED is operational again. By notifying The Circuit, you ensure that the call handler can redirect rescuers to another nearby defibrillator, avoiding any delays in treatment. This real-time update helps maintain a fully functional network of defibrillators, ensuring that the next cardiac arrest victim can be quickly connected to a working AED.

By registering on The Circuit, you make your defibrillator visible and accessible to those who might urgently need it, making it an integral part of the life-saving efforts in your community.

Upkeep

Continuous care and regular maintenance of your defibrillator are crucial to ensuring it is always rescue-ready in the event of a cardiac emergency. At a minimum, you should check your defibrillator once a month, performing a thorough inspection to verify that all components are in working order. This includes checking the battery status, ensuring that the pads are within their expiration date, and confirming that the device itself shows no visible signs of damage.

During these monthly checks, make sure the defibrillator is stored properly, whether it’s in a wall-mounted cabinet or bracket, and ensure that it remains easily accessible with clear signage. It’s also important to verify that any additional accessories, such as child pads (if applicable) or a rescue kit containing scissors, gloves, and a razor, are available and in good condition.

Regular maintenance also involves replacing the pads and battery when they near their expiration dates, even if the device has not been used. This proactive approach ensures the defibrillator is fully functional at all times. Many AEDs have self-diagnostic features that automatically check the device’s readiness, but you should still manually inspect the unit to confirm the diagnostics are functioning correctly.

In addition to these routine checks, make sure to perform an immediate inspection after any incident in which the AED is used. This ensures that any necessary replacements or repairs are made promptly, keeping the device ready for the next emergency. Proper care and regular maintenance not only extend the life of your defibrillator but also guarantee its reliability in life-threatening situations, where every second counts.

Maintenance

While maintaining a defibrillator is incredibly rewarding, it can also be time-consuming and easily overlooked amid the demands of everyday life. Regular checks, battery and pad replacements, and keeping accurate records require commitment and organisation, which can add to the burden on guardians or facility managers. To alleviate this stress and ensure peace of mind, we have developed three comprehensive maintenance contracts designed to streamline the process and help keep the UK as heart-safe as possible.

Annual Maintenance Check – £75 excl. VAT

• A visual check to ensure that the unit has full functionality and the is no damage to the case, screen, buttons and connections.
• Battery and pad check for installation date and when replacements are due.
• A check of the pad terminal to make sure it is functioning and clear of debris.
• Confirmation that the pads attached are suitable to the model and in good condition.

One-Year Contract (minimum) – £10 per month excl. VAT

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