All about defibrillators and how to use one
Most of us know roughly what a defibrillator is, but how many would know how to use one in an emergency?
So if you want to know more about this life-saving device and how to use it, this guide is for you.
What is a defibrillator?
A defibrillator is a device that uses electricity to restart someone’s heart or shock it back into the right rhythm.
It’s used when someone goes into cardiac arrest. This is when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions and it suddenly stops beating.
If the right treatment — which can include CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and using a defibrillator — is given quickly, the person in cardiac arrest has a much better chance of survival.
Who is at risk of cardiac arrest?
You are at increased risk of cardiac arrest if:
- You have coronary heart disease
- You have an abnormally large heart
- You have diseased heart valves
- You have heart rhythm abnormalities
- You have high blood pressure
- You have a family history of heart disease
- You smoke
- You are inactive
- You are obese
- You have had a heart attack
- You are aged over 45 if you are a man or over 55 if you are a woman
- You are male
- You practise substance abuse
- You have low magnesium or potassium levels
If you think you are at risk of cardiac arrest, it’s best to get checked by a doctor who may prescribe medication or suggest lifestyle changes to lower your risk.
How do I use a defibrillator machine?
The first thing you need to know is that using an AED (automated external defibrillator) doesn’t necessarily require any experience or first aid skill — the beauty of it is that the machine will give you instructions as you go along.
You will know to use a defibrillator if:
- Someone has collapsed
- They are unresponsive
- They are not breathing
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Get someone with you to call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately.
2. While you are waiting for help, turn the defibrillator on.
3. Remove all clothing from the patient’s chest area and shave any thick chest hair. Items to help you do this should be in the case.
4. Take out the adhesive pads and attach them to the patient’s chest as indicated.
5. Do not touch the patient while the machine analyses their heart rhythm.
6. You will hear a message to stand back if a shock is required.
7. Then you will be asked to press the flashing button to administer the shock.
8. You will hear a message to confirm that the shock has been delivered.
9. You will then be prompted to deliver CPR.
10. You may need to deliver further shocks after CPR.
What else do I need to know about defibrillators?
- You can still use a defibrillator on someone with a pacemaker. In this case, you will need to place the pad a few centimetres away from the pacemaker scar.
- The defibrillator will only give a shock if the patient needs it. So don’t fear that you may harm them by delivering an unneeded shock.
- The person using the defibrillator will not receive an electric shock.
How can I find a defibrillator when I’m out?
Defibrillators are labelled and readily available in public places like workplaces, shopping centres, gyms, transport hubs and hospitals.
Get into the habit of looking out for them when you are going about your everyday life, and make a note of where they are in the places you visit often.
You can also download the Resuscitate app by St John Ambulance Australia, which can help you locate the nearest one.
Take inspiration from our defibrillator tips
We hope our article has shown you how easy using a defibrillator can be. While it helps if you have already been instructed on how to use a defibrillator machine, you don’t need any experience to successfully administer an electric shock to someone in cardiac arrest.
Maybe our article has inspired you to take a first aid course, learn how to do CPR or stock up on your first aid kit. Or you may want to buy a defibrillator for your home, workplace or community space.
In that case, take a look at our collection of AEDs, all of them designed for easy use that could save a life. We also stock a range of accessories to use with your defibrillator, including battery packs and pads, as well as an extensive range of first aid supplies.
And know that as one of Australia’s premier suppliers of first aid kits and medical supplies, we pride ourselves on keeping you protected with our range of quality products delivered with the best customer service!
Defibrillators (AEDs) & Replacement Pads
Easy-to-use AEDs and replacement pads for workplaces, sports clubs, and public spaces.
