All About Magazine - Issue 17

35 / 60

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 littlemachine 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
Newport now has a many of these life-saving
machines. Their locations can be found on the
Newport town map on page 55.
A little box with life saving properties
by Nurse Julie Rich - Heart Start Shropshire Co-ordinator
ALL ABOUT MAGAZINE | FEATURE 35