21/10/2026
❤️⚡ DEFIBRILLATORS: WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW
Knowing what a defibrillator does, and when to use one, could help us save a life.
🔹 WHAT IS A DEFIBRILLATOR?
A defibrillator delivers an electrical shock to treat certain life-threatening heart rhythms. The portable device found in many public places is called an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
It checks the heart’s rhythm and only advises or delivers a shock when a treatable rhythm is detected. Clear voice prompts guide the person helping. You do not need to be a healthcare professional to use one. (heart.org)
🔹 WHEN SHOULD WE USE AN AED?
Use an AED when someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, or is only gasping. These are signs of possible cardiac arrest, when the heart stops pumping blood effectively.
A heart attack is different: blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, and the person may still be awake and breathing. Call emergency services immediately for suspected heart attack symptoms. Start CPR and use an AED if the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing normally. (redcross.org)
🔹 WHAT SHOULD WE DO IN AN EMERGENCY?
1. Call for help immediately.
Dial 112/999 Put your phone on speaker and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Ask someone to bring an AED.
2. Start CPR.
For an adult who suddenly collapses, push hard and fast in the centre of the chest at 100–120 compressions per minute. If you are untrained, give hands-only CPR and follow the dispatcher’s guidance. (heart.org, redcross.org)
3. Turn on the AED and follow its instructions.
Expose the chest, dry it if wet, and attach the pads to bare skin as shown in the diagrams.
4. Stand clear when instructed.
Nobody should touch the person while the AED analyses the rhythm or delivers a shock.
5. Resume CPR immediately.
After a shock, or if the AED says “no shock advised”, restart CPR as directed. “No shock advised” does not mean the person has recovered. Continue following the AED and emergency dispatcher until help takes over or the person shows clear signs of life, such as normal breathing. (redcross.org)
💡 BE PREPARED
Notice where AEDs are located at work, church, shopping centres, and community venues. Consider taking a practical CPR/AED course so you feel more confident helping in an emergency.
Remember: Call for help. Start CPR. Use the AED as soon as it is available. (redcross.org, cpr.heart.org)
💬 Do you know where the nearest AED is at in your workplace, or in your Community.
Learn more about the American Heart Association's efforts to reduce death caused by heart disease and stroke. Also learn about cardiovascular conditions, ECC and CPR, donating, heart disease information for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and educators and healthy living.
