Do I need to be trained to use a defibrillator?

Defibrillators are designed to be used by anyone, whether or not they have received prior training. Voice prompts and visual cues from the device make the rescue process as simple as possible for the first responder.

Although defibrillators are designed to be easy to use, we do recommend training to ensure you would know how to respond quickly and effectively in an emergency.

In the UK, there are over 60,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) that take place each year, with around 30,000 of which the ambulance service have attempted resuscitation.

Time is precious during a cardiac arrest, every second counts. For every minute that passes following a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), their chance of survival drops by 10%. For the best chance of survival, it's important to deliver treatment to a person in cardiac arrest within 3-5 minutes of them collapsing.

Becoming familiar with the defibrillator you own ensures you know exactly how to respond in the event of an SCA. Our training firat aid training department, Imperative Training also offers nationally accredited training in CPR and the use of defibrillators. This includes the Level 2 Award in CPR and AED(RQF). Training is carried out using the same defibrillator you own to provide the confidence needed for handling a real-life situation.

There are certain steps to take for the best chance of survival and training equips responders for this situation. The following steps must be taken as part of the chain of survival:

1. Early access and recognition: The first step in treating a person who is suffering a cardiac arrest is to identify that this is actually what is happening. If the person collapses, falls unconscious, and isn’t breathing, they are more than likely suffering an SCA. Your first course of action should be to phone the emergency services..
2. Early CPR: CPR works by physically compressing the heart so that it pumps blood around the body and essential organs. This is not a direct treatment for a cardiac arrest, but it should help to keep them alive until a defibrillator is located.
3. Early defibrillation: It is essential that you locate your nearest defibrillator. Delivering the shock early on increases the chance of survival.  The defib provides step-by-step instructions (verbally or on a display) on how to provide effective treatment. 
4. Early advanced care: This is to be delivered by paramedics or other medical professionals. They can deliver a more advanced level of care for the best chance of survival.

More Information

To get in touch with our training department with any training enquiries you may have, just call 0161 776 7420 and a member of the team will be happy to help.

defibshop are committed to equipping everyone with the skills and knowledge to save a life. Speak to one of our Product Specialists on 0161 776 7422 or fill out our Contact Form.