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How a Defibrillator Can Save a Life

06 Feb 2025

In the event of a cardiac arrest, a defibrillator can be a vital tool in restoring a normal heart rhythm while you wait for emergency services to arrive. With over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring each year in the UK, having access to a defibrillator can significantly improve survival chances. However, defibrillators are currently used in less than 1 in 20 of these cases. Let’s explore how a defibrillator works, why it’s essential in an emergency, and how it can help save a life.

Understanding Cardiac Arrest: Every Second Counts

A cardiac arrest happens when someone’s heart suddenly stops beating, preventing oxygen from reaching the brain and other vital organs. It’s a medical emergency where time is critical. The chances of survival are extremely low if medical help isn’t administered quickly. In the UK, fewer than 1 in 10 people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and the chances of survival decrease by up to 10% with every minute that passes without medical intervention.

Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time, and it’s vital that people know how to act quickly. The good news is that if the right steps are taken, such as using a defibrillator, the chances of survival can increase dramatically.

The Chain of Survival: 4 Essential Actions

When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, four critical actions need to be taken quickly. These actions make up the ‘chain of survival’ and give the person the best chance of survival:

1. Early Recognition & Call for Help
   Recognise the signs of cardiac arrest and immediately call 999 for emergency help. Time is of the essence.
2. Early CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
   Begin chest compressions right away. This helps circulate blood to vital organs, keeping the person alive until more advanced care arrives.
3. Early Defibrillation
   Use a defibrillator to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm. Every second matters—defibrillation should happen as soon as possible. The quicker the defibrillator is used, the higher the chance of survival.
4. Post-Resuscitation Care
   After the person is resuscitated, they need to be transferred to the care of medical professionals for ongoing treatment.

What Is a Defibrillator?

A defibrillator is a portable device that delivers an electric shock to the heart in a controlled manner. This shock aims to restore a normal heartbeat in someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest.

You might come across the terms PAD (Public Access Defibrillator) or AED (Automated External Defibrillator). These are both types of defibrillators, and either can be used to help someone experiencing a cardiac arrest.

• PAD (Public Access Defibrillator): A defibrillator available for public use in emergencies.
• AED (Automated External Defibrillator): A machine that automatically assesses the heart’s rhythm and determines if a shock is needed.

How Do Defibrillators Work?

Defibrillators are designed to be easy to use, even by someone with no medical training. In an emergency, the 999 operator can guide you through the steps of using the defibrillator, and many defibrillators have voice prompts or on-screen instructions to assist you further.

There are two main steps to using a defibrillator:

1. Attach the defibrillator pads to the person’s chest.
2. The defibrillator checks the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, delivers a shock to restore normal heart function.

Some defibrillators deliver the shock automatically, while others will instruct you to press a button to deliver the shock manually. Either way, the device is designed to be intuitive, even for those with no medical experience.

Why Are Defibrillators So Important?

Using a defibrillator as soon as possible can make a life-saving difference. Every minute that passes without a shock reduces the likelihood of survival. A defibrillator can restart the heart and significantly improve the chances of a person surviving a cardiac arrest. If you’re in a public area, knowing where a public access defibrillator (PAD) is located can save someone’s life. These devices are increasingly available in shopping centres, airports, train stations, and sports facilities.

Conclusion: Be Prepared to Save a Life

In the event of a cardiac arrest, every second counts. Knowing how to use a defibrillator and taking quick action can dramatically improve survival chances. If you haven’t already, consider learning CPR and locating the nearest defibrillator in your community. Whether it’s a public access defibrillator (PAD) or an automated external defibrillator (AED), these devices play a crucial role in the chain of survival and can help save lives when they are needed most.

By increasing awareness, improving access to defibrillators, and taking immediate action in emergencies, we can all contribute to saving lives and improving survival rates for cardiac arrest victims.

To apply – Apply For A Defibrillator | London Hearts or ring 020 7043 2493