Defibrillators
When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, every second matters. While the average ambulance response time is about 8 minutes, immediate action can significantly improve survival chances. A defibrillator, used alongside CPR, can help restart the heart’s natural rhythm by delivering a controlled electric shock. By using a defibrillator, you could increase a casualty’s survival rate by up to 70%*.
AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) are designed to be simple and intuitive. Once switched on, the device talks you through each step: from placing the pads on the person’s chest, to performing CPR, to delivering a shock if needed. It will only administer a shock if it detects that one is required.
Because cardiac arrests can happen anywhere, defibrillators are increasingly being placed in public spaces such as sports centres, gyms, schools, offices, construction sites, shopping centres, and community hubs. They’re suitable for both indoor and outdoor locations and can be housed in specially designed cabinets. If installed outdoors, the cabinet must be connected to a power source to keep the device in working condition — this should always be done by a qualified electrician.
Ideally, you’ll never need to use one, but if you do, knowing it’s there and how to access it could make all the difference. If your site has a defibrillator, make sure everyone knows its location. And if you don’t know where your nearest AED is, take a moment to find out because cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere.
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Why should I have a defibrillator?
Each year in the UK, around 30,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals. A defibrillator can be a crucial, lifesaving device in these moments. When someone goes into cardiac arrest, their chances of survival drop by 10% with every passing minute. Having quick access to a defibrillator can make the difference between life and death.
How does an AED work?
An automated external defibrillator (AED) works by delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart during a cardiac arrest. This shock helps stop the irregular rhythm and allows the heart to reset to its natural beat. AEDs are used alongside CPR to increase the chances of survival.
The machine comes with sticky electrode pads that you place on the person’s chest. It gives clear voice and visual instructions, guiding you through every step. The AED will only deliver a shock if it detects that it’s needed — you can’t accidentally harm someone with it. It also helps you keep the correct rhythm while performing CPR. AEDs are designed for anyone to use, even without training, and they are suitable for both adults and children.
Will I be sued for using a defibrillator?
In short, no, you won’t be sued for using a defibrillator to help save someone’s life. Modern defibrillators are designed to only deliver a shock when it’s medically necessary, so there’s no risk of accidentally using them on someone who doesn’t need it. While some people worry about needing consent, in emergency first aid situations, permission is not required. Time is critical; taking action immediately can save a life.
What’s the difference between an automatic and semi-automatic defibrillator?
There are two main types of defibrillators: automatic and semi-automatic. Both are designed to deliver a controlled shock to help restart the heart’s natural rhythm during a cardiac arrest, but they differ slightly in how the shock is delivered.
An automatic defibrillator delivers the shock on its own, without needing the user to press a button. It provides a clear warning for everyone nearby to stand clear — including anyone touching the patient — and then automatically delivers the shock after a short pause.
A semi-automatic defibrillator, on the other hand, requires the user to press a button to deliver the shock once the machine has advised that it’s needed. While it can be slightly quicker, some people may feel uneasy about having to push the button themselves.
Both types are effective, and the choice often comes down to personal preference or the setting where the defibrillator will be used.
* Defibrillation within 3–5 min of a cardiac arrest can produce survival rates as high as 50%–70% (BMJ Emergency Medicine Journal)
