When someone experiences a sudden cardiac arrest, urgent treatment is crucial. Without quick and effective help, survival rates fall rapidly – around 10% for every minute without intervention.
That’s why fast access to a defibrillator or an AED defibrillator is an absolute must and can make a life-saving difference.
Did you know that using an automated defibrillator within the first 3-5 minutes can increase survival rates to as high as 70%? In those vital moments, having access to the right AED nearby and knowing how to use it can change everything.
What is a cardiac arrest and how does a Defibrillator help?
A cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood around the body. To identify the signs of someone suffering a cardiac arrest, you will notice them collapse suddenly and:
- They’ll become unresponsive
- Stop breathing normally or start making gasping noises
- Will become unconscious
Without immediate action, their vital organs will become deprived of oxygen. Although CPR can help keep blood circulating, it can’t restart the heart. This is where an AED defibrillator comes in; this medical device delivers an electrical shock, when needed, to restore a normal rhythm. Which is why quick and effective defibrillation is a vital part of the person’s survival.
Automated Defibrillator: Designed by experts to be used by everyone
Modern AEDs are designed to be used by anyone, even if they have no previous experience. For example, St John Ambulance automated defibrillators, HEART One and HEART Two, are built to provide calm and confident action in an emergency.
Key features of all defibrillators include:
- Simple guidance: clear voice and visual prompts to follow
- Safe operation: the AED will tell the rescuer when to press the shock button
- Public access design: AEDs are made for use by anyone; the HEART Two can even be configured for up to 3 languages
This simplicity in use is why publicly accessible AED defibrillators are on the rise in places such as schools, workplaces and in town centres.
Where Defibrillators are most effective
A defibrillator can only save a life if it can be reached quickly, which is why resources like The Circuit are so useful. The Circuit is the UK’s national defibrillator network, which pinpoints the nearest defibrillator near you - an invaluable resource that can make a huge difference. For someone to locate the closest defibrillator, the device has to be registered on the website, so if your organisation has one, be sure to register it!
It’s important that AEDs are also located in accessible locations and clearly signed, so people know how to find them. Common locations for defibrillators are:
- Schools, campuses and colleges
- Town centres
- Offices and workplaces
- Leisure centres and gyms
- Community venues
- Shopping centres
Not only does a registered AED on The Circuit’s website provide valuable information to the bystander, but it also provides information to emergency services, who can direct you to the
nearest available defibrillator during a 999 call.
Choosing the right AED Defibrillator
Different environments need different solutions, so choosing the right AED depends on who will use it and where it’s installed.
HEART One AED is a simple, semi-automatic defibrillator that’s ideal for offices, schools and community environments. Whereas the HEART Two is suitable for noisy, busy and multilingual environments, due to its ability to provide visual and voice prompts, and being available in 3
languages.
Both AED defibrillators offer:
- Compact and portable design
- Dust and water resistance
- Spare electrode pads
Defibrillators
St John Ambulance HEART One Semi-automatic Defibrillator
St John Ambulance HEART Two Semi-automatic Defibrillator
ZOLL AED 3 Semi-automatic Defibrillator
ZOLL AED 3 Fully Automatic Defibrillator
Defibrillators
One of the most important devices that can save a life is an AED defibrillator.
Shop nowDefibrillator training and public confidence
While AEDs are designed to be used by anyone, even those without experience, defibrillator training is a great asset to have and builds confidence. Instead of a responder panicking, having undergone training will help them act more quickly in an emergency.
St John Ambulance offers defibrillator training within its first aid training course.
They’ll teach you to:
- Recognise the signs of cardiac arrest
- How to perform CPR
- How to use an AED safely and effectively
First aid training, combined with easy-to-use defibrillators, helps create a safer workplace and encourages bystanders to act promptly without panicking.
What to do in a cardiac emergency
If someone collapses and becomes unresponsive, the following steps are vital:
- Call 999 immediately
- Check if they are breathing
- Begin CPR if they are not breathing (30 compressions, 2 rescue breaths)
- Use an AED defibrillator as soon as it’s available
- Continue until emergency services arrive
If you need to use a defibrillator, all you need to do is follow the steps via voice or visual prompts. The AED will guide you step-by-step. From pad placement to shock delivery.
Creating safe spaces with St John Ambulance
Choosing a defibrillator from St John Ambulance means choosing trusted expertise, clear guidance and reliable equipment (designed by experts).
St John Ambulance AEDs offers:
- Expert-designed, life-saving technology
- Reassurance in high-pressure situations
- Clear guidance and instructions for effective treatment
