WEST Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) is supporting Resus Council’s ‘Check Your Defib Week’.
This week, it’s their mission to make sure all defib Guardians have checked their defibrillator is ready to save a life.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can make the difference between life or death in the event of a cardiac arrest. Every minute after a cardiac arrest, the chances of a survival decrease by 10 per cent.
Early intervention such as CPR and defibrillation plays a vital role in increasing the chance of survival.
Community AEDs are simple to use and can save lives before an ambulance even arrives.
To be effective, they must be publicly accessible, registered on The Circuit so WMAS can direct bystanders to them, and be regularly maintained by a guardian who checks batteries and pads.
WMAS is encouraging all guardians, whether that be through businesses, schools, communities or individual owners of defibrillators to make sure:
- The defibrillator you are responsible for is in working order
- Ensure pads and batteries are within their expiry dates
- Confirm the device remains accessible and clearly signposted
- Ensure the status and location of the AED is correct on The Circuit
- Register the defibrillator on The Circuit if it is not already listed
Community Response Manager for the Trust, Cliff Medlicott said: “The actions taken by bystanders in those first crucial minutes after a cardiac arrest can make the difference between life and death.
“Starting CPR and using a defibrillator, can significantly improve a person’s chance of survival before an ambulance crew arrives.
“The Circuit plays a vital role in helping our call assessors direct members of the public to the nearest available defibrillator.
“However, this only works if the defibrillator is regularly checked, maintained and kept up to date on the system.
If you’re unsure how to check your device is rescue-ready, Resus Council have resourcesyou can access for guidance.
Click here to register a defibrillator.
