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In the world of emergency medical equipment, few tools hold as much potential to save lives as the defibrillator. These devices, available in both automated external (AED) and manual variants, are designed to deliver a crucial shock which restores a patient’s heart back to normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest. However, their effectiveness is reliant on proper upkeep and maintenance. In this blog post, we will explore in detail the steps necessary to ensure your defibrillator remains in optimal condition and ready to use when seconds count with our defibrillator maintenance guide.
What is a defibrillator?
A defibrillator is a device that gives a shock of electricity to the heart. It helps to get the heart beating again when someone is in cardiac arrest and their heart has stopped. They might also be called a defib, an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) or a PAD (Public Access Defibrillator). Start your defibrillator Project now.
Why is upkeep so important?
Ensuring the pads and batteries of a defibrillator are in optimal condition is prime importance for its effectiveness in saving lives during cardiac emergencies. Here is why:
Immediate availability:
During a sudden cardiac arrest, every second counts. Having functional electrode pads and fully charges batteries ensures that the defibrillator is ready for immediate use without any delays. Any delay in accessing or using the defibrillator due to faulty pads or depleted batteries can significantly reduce the chances of survival for the victim.
Effectiveness of shock delivery:
The electrode pads are responsible for delivering the electric shock to the patient’s chest to restore normal heart rhythm. If the pads are expired, damaged or attached incorrectly, this can compromise the effectiveness of the shock delivery and decrease the likelihood of successful defibrillation.
Patients’ safety:
using expired or defective electrode pads or batteries can cause safety risks to both the patients and the rescuer. Properly functioning equipment minimises the risk of complications or injuries during the defibrillation process, ensuring the safety of everyone involved in the rescue.
Routine checks and inspections:
Regular maintenance is essential to defibrillator upkeep. Incorporating routine checks and inspections into your maintenance schedule is crucial to ensuring the devices reliability. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Visual inspection:
Perform regular visual inspections of the device, paying close attention to the exterior for any signs of wear and tear. Focus on the electrode pads and cables for integrity, ensuring they are properly connected and free from any damage.
Battery Check:
The battery is the “Heart” of the defibrillator. Regularly check the battery status indicator to ensure that it is fully charged and replace it if needed. A defibrillator with a depleted battery will not be effective during an emergency.
Electrode pads:
Check the expiration date of the electrode pads and replace them as needed. Pads have an expiration date of 2 years. Expired pads may not adhere properly to the patient’s skin which can have an adverse impact on the effectiveness of the shock delivery to the heart.
Self-test function:
Our defibrillators come with a self-test function. Make it a habit to regularly run this test to ensure that all components are functioning correctly. Follow our partners (Defib World) guidelines for interpreting the results of the self-test.
Storing a defibrillator:
Storing a defibrillator properly is crucial to ensure its functionality and accessibility during emergencies. Here are some guidelines for safe defibrillator storage:
Indoor storage:
Outdoor storage:
Avoid incorrect storage.
You can contact our defibrillator team who will help you to choose a defibrillator that’s right for you. They’re available by phone, email or online chat from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Email: info@londonhearts.org
Tel: 020 7043 2493
Apply for a Defibrillator: Apply For A Defibrillator | London Hearts
When you’re ready to get a defibrillator, you’ll need to choose which one to get. Each type offers unique benefits and considerations that can impact their effectiveness in saving lives during a cardiac emergency.
The type of defibrillator you choose will depend on:
Defibrillators are either semi-automatic or fully automatic. The difference is how much action is needed from the person using it.
For children under 8, the shock from a defibrillator needs to be weaker than it is for adults. Some defibrillators let you switch easily from adult to child mode. Others need different electrode pads that are suitable for use on children or a special ‘child key’ to switch mode.
We always recommend a defibrillator with a built-in-switch as this can save vital time during an emergency.
If you’re not sure whether to get a semi-automatic or fully automatic defibrillator, we can talk through your needs.
Call 020 7043 2493 or email: info@londonhearts.org
If you are looking for part funding towards a semi-automatic or fully-automatic defibrillator you can apply via https://londonhearts.org/apply-for-a-defib/
APPLY TO THE DEFIBRILLATOR SCHEME HERE -> Defib Scheme | London Hearts
London Hearts realises that it is not always possible to locate a Defibrillator externally due to logistics and specific requirements.
We are therefore currently running this special Defibrillator scheme to assist businesses, sports clubs, individuals etc. to obtain an internal / portable dual functioning defibrillator for just c£660.
The aim of this scheme is to generally increase the numbers of life-saving defibrillators in order to improve survival rates from out of hospital cardiac arrests.
There are over 50,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests each year in the UK, but less than one in ten people will survive. Every minute without CPR and defibrillation after a cardiac arrest can reduce the chance of survival by up to 10 per cent. Quick CPR and defibrillation are the only chance of saving someone’s life. If a Defibrillator is applied to the patient within the first 3-5 mins, then the chances of survival increase from 6% to over 70%.
The London Hearts Trustee states, “Every defibrillator has the power to save a person’s life, as a charity we are thrilled to assist as many people as possible throughout the UK to obtain a Defibrillator. There are simply not enough defibrillators. Everyone should have access to these life saving devices. Our mission is to make sure everyone is never more than 200 meters from one at any time.”
To be eligible for this scheme you simply must be:
• Within the UK
• Be committed to promoting London Hearts free online CPR/Defibrillator training with the resources provided.
• We also request you provide us with a photograph of the Defibrillator with person/-s present which we can then include on our social media ‘Every Second Counts’ to help continue raising awareness.
• Responsible for ongoing maintenance
The Scheme is being run on a first come first served basis until all units have been claimed.
Register your interest https://londonhearts.org/defib-scheme/
Your application will be managed by London Hearts Charity.
Our contact details for the scheme are:
info@londonhearts.org
020 7043 2493