(* also called AED: automated external defibrillator)

Cardiac Arrest is when:

• The heart stops pumping blood around the body
• The person collapses and needs to be helped immediately
• Call 999, but don’t walk away
• CPR together with the defibrillator can save their life
• It can happen any time, it’s unpredictable
• Immediate first aid is needed until the ambulance arrives

In ‘half-way’ cases, if the person is still conscious, CPR and defibrillation are not needed – just call 999.

You can use an AED with no training

The machine analyses someone’s heart rhythm and then uses visual or voice prompts to guide you through each step.

The AED will not function unless it determines there is a need, so don’t worry about using one!

In ‘half-way’ cases, if the person is still conscious, CPR and defibrillation are not needed – just call 999.

Together with hands only CPR (chest compressions) it can save someone’s life:

• Place the heel of your hand on the breastbone at the centre of the person’s chest. Place your other hand on top of your first hand and interlock your fingers.
• Position yourself with your shoulders above your hands.
• Using your body weight (not just your arms), press straight down by 5–6cm on their chest.
• This takes qhite a lot of pressure for adults, for children use less force, babies just two fingers
• Repeat this until an ambulance arrives. Try to perform chest compressions at 100-120 chest compressions a minute.

To learn more, click here.