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To access the defibrillators at the Health Centre, the Cricket Club and the Room, you will need to call 999 to receive the release code which will allow you to remove the device and take it to the patient.
At the Tennis Club, access would only be whilst there are players on court or if you have a key for the courts (all tennis club members have a key). You will see that the Tennis Club defibrillator does not need a release code and can be taken immediately to the patient.
What is a Defibrillator?
A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest. This high energy shock is called defibrillation, and it's an essential part in trying to save the life of someone who’s in cardiac arrest. A defibrillator may also be referred to as a “defib”, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) or a PAD (Public Access Defibrillator).
Cardiac arrests can happen to anyone, at any time. The following steps give someone the best chance of survival. If you come across someone in cardiac arrest:
You don’t need to be trained to use a defibrillator – anyone can use it. They are simple and easy to use and you don't need any training. There are clear instructions on how to attach the defibrillator pads. It then assesses the heart rhythm and will only instruct you to deliver a shock if it’s needed. You can't deliver a shock accidentally, the defibrillator will only allow you to shock if it is needed.
Step 1: Shake and shout
If you come across someone who is unconscious, always check for danger and look for risks before you start helping.
Someone having a cardiac arrest will either not be breathing or they won’t be breathing normally. They also won’t be conscious.
Step 2: Call 999
If the person is not breathing or not breathing normally:
If there's no one around call 999 before starting compressions.
Step 3: Cover mouth and nose with cloth.
If you think there's a risk of infection, lay a towel or a piece of clothing over the mouth and nose. Don't put your face close to theirs.
If you're sure the person is breathing normally, then put them in the recovery position.
Step 4: Give chest compressions
Do not give rescue breaths at this time.
Step 5: Keep going
Keep going until professional help arrives and takes over, or the person starts to show signs of regaining consciousness, such as coughing, opening their eyes, speaking, or breathing normally.
If you’re feeling tired, and there’s someone nearby to help, instruct them to continue.
The recovery position is used to protect the airway of an unconscious patient. If a patient is unconscious and lying on their back, there is a risk of the airway becoming blocked due to the tongue or by regurgitation of stomach contents. This situation can be fatal within minutes, as the patient will be unable to breathe.
Follow these steps to place an unconscious, but breathing, patient into the recovery position:
