How to use a defibrillator.
How to use a defibrillator is a short blog post describing a simple step by step guide.
Even though there are many different variations of defibrillators out there, they all do the same job.
They are all easy to use and there is no training required.
All modern defibrillators speak to you giving you basic steps to follow.
If you find someone who is unconscious, unresponsive or not breathing, they are in a so-called Cardiac Arrest.
The most important thing to do is not to panic.
Call 999 (UK) immediately. The operator will help you stay calm and help you help the person in need.
Start Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR straight away. It is important to continue this to keep the blood circulating to the brain and around the body. Every minute without CPR reduces a persons chance of survival by 10%.
If you are alone, do not stop CPR to go to find a defibrillator. If possible, send someone else to get one.
Using a defibrillator is as simple as the following steps:
Step 1
Press the green button and follow instructions
Step 2
Peel off the pads and stick them to the patient’s skin, one on each side of the chest. See image on defibrillator.
Step 3
Once the pads are attached, stop CPR and stay clear of the patient. The defibrillator will now monitor the patient.
Step 4
The defibrillator will now tell you if the patient requires a shock. If so, press the shock button. If the defibrillator is automated, it will shock the patient without notice. Stay clear of the patient during this period.
Step 5
The defibrillator will now tell you when the shock has been done and if you need to continue with CPR.
Step 6
Continue now with your CPR until the patient shows signs of life or the defibrillator tells you to stop to reassess.
Step 7
Continue until help arrives.
The most difficult thing is the CPR. It can get quite tiring but remember what is at stake here. You will be so pumped up with adrenaline that you probably won’t even recognise your own physical & mental efforts.
Have you ever used a defibrillator?
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