Defib is short for defibrillator. A briefcase-sized box that can deliver an electrical shock to someone whose heart has stopped pumping blood around their body.
They are compact, portable and very effective, with two sticky electrode pads that stick to the casualty’s bare chest and have clearly marked buttons that are designed to be used by the lay person.
This clever little machine guides the operator through the process by clear verbal instruction and visual prompts. Defibs are safe and will not allow a shock to be given unless the heart rhythm requires it.
By giving CPR to a patient, you will be getting much needed oxygenated blood to the heart and brain, making it more likely a shock from a defib will work. Hands-only CPR is a skill that involves pressing hard and fast on someone’s chest. If given just after someone goes into cardiac arrest it can buy invaluable time before using a defib and can more than double their chance of survival.
No exam is required to operate a defib, but with a small amount of training, you will gain confidence and understanding of its use, maintenance and learn not to be scared of it.
Heartstart is a free scheme that helps train new lifesavers. It takes just a couple of hours and is a British Heart Foundation (BHF) initiative, which shows you what to do in a life-threatening emergency.
It’s hands-on, and teaches you the simple skills that save lives. Anyone interested in learning more about the scheme can contact me on 01952 820625 or visit the BHF website at www.bhf.org.uk
Newport now has a many of these life-saving machines explains Nurse Julie Rich - Heart Start Shropshire Co-ordinator. Their locations can be found on the Newport town map on page 55 in the February issue of All About magazine, or in the digital edition.
