Workplaces and public spaces currently have no legal requirement to provide a defibrillator. The Department of Education have committed that by the end of the academic year 2022/2023, all schools in England should has at least one defibrillator on the premises.
Recognition of the importance of having a defibrillator in workplaces and community spaces is growing and there is pressure from many for further legal requirements to be considered.
Having a defibrillator available and accessible significantly increases survival chance. Without treatment, the chance of survival decreases by 10% per minute. With treatment the survival rate goes from 6% to 74%.
What is a defibrillator?
A defibrillator is a device that sends a high energy shock to the heart of someone who is in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA occurs when the heart stops beating in a regular rhythm and blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. The heart will quiver or fibrillate instead of pumping resulting in unconsciousness.
A Defibrillator monitors the heart rhythm and automatically sends an electric shock, or instructs you to push the shock button if required. It will not deliver a shock unless it detects the presence of an irregular heart rhythm that requires defibrillation to be performed.
If it’s not a requirement, why do I need a defibrillator?
Installing a defibrillator enables responders to promptly deliver the treatment whilst increasing the chance of survival from 6% to 74%. The use of Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation are the only known treatment for SCA. With no treatment a person in cardiac arrest will die within minutes.
The main reason that 90-95% of people who suffer an SCA die is that defibrillation is not carried out quickly enough. When responding to a cardiac emergency effective and immediate treatment is vital.
The ambulance service are tasked with responding to a category one incident, such as a cardiac arrest, within 7 minutes. On average, it takes 11 minutes for an ambulance to arrive. A cardiac arrest’s survival chances often depend on help from bystanders.
Can I receive training in the workplace?
Yes, we believe when an employer decides to provide a defibrillator in the workplace those who may need to use it should be trained. Training can provide for additional knowledge and skills and may promote greater confidence in the use of a defibrillator.
It is important to remember a defibrillator can be used with no prior training by anyone. However, staff may feel more confident when using the device and may deploy it quicker if training has been given.
To look at the courses we offer and for more information please visit the Imperative Training website
Maintaining a defibrillator in the workplace
As the speed of deployment of the defibrillator during SCA is critical, a defibrillator should always be ready for use. The Responsible Person for health and safety in your workplace should perform weekly visual checks on the device and keep a record of these checks.
Defibrillators have expiry dates on both the electrode pads and batteries so this needs to be monitored and replacements sorted when required.
At defibshop, , we offer an expiry service where we send product expiry emails 3, 2 & 1 months before expiry dates are due to end. Replacements can be purchased before the date of expiry keeping the defibrillator always rescue ready. You do not need to have purchased your unit from us, we can add the dates of any defibrillator you own.
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.