Defibrillators

FISA often receives questions on defibrillators. Here we provide some information on provision, tips on getting a defibrillator and location app for adding to site emergency information.

Defibrillators are used to treat someone in cardiac arrest. A cardiac arrest is when someone’s heart has stopped beating normally and they are unresponsive and not breathing. By using a defibrillator before an ambulance arrives, you can significantly increase someone’s chance of survival.

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable life saving device that can give a casualty’s heart an electric shock, when it has stopped beating normally in a sudden cardiac arrest. A defibrillator works by checking the casualty's heart rhythm once the defibrillator pads are placed on their chest and giving them a shock if needed. You don't need specific training to use one, the instructions on the unit will talk you through the process. How-to guidance on defibrillator use can be found on the St Johns Ambulance website.

Always dial 999 immediately in an emergency and they will direct you to your nearest defibrillator.

Find your nearest defibrillator with Defib Finder - a webapp that helps you find your nearest defibrillator in case of, or for use in an emergency. 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. This information could be useful to add to site emergency information.
Please note, Defib Finder only shows the defibrillators that are registered with The Circuit.

The Circuit is the national defibrillator network which maps defibrillators across the UK, connecting them directly and automatically to each ambulance service.
While there are an estimated 100,000 defibrillators across the UK, tens of thousands of these are unknown to ambulance and emergency services. Once located and registered, emergency services can direct bystanders to their nearest defibrillator and increase a person's chance of survival.
Give your defibrillator its best chance of saving a life - put your defibrillator on the map - Register on The Circuit

Further information can be found on the St Johns Ambulance website including guidance for first time buyers. With defibrillator costs being relatively low, large longer term sites may wish to consider adding to their site first aid provision.