A casualty who has stopped breathing may have their chance of survival decreased by 10% for every minute that they do not have a defibrillation shock.
YOU CAN USE AN AED:
Resuscitation Guidelines 2010 state that ‘training in the use of an AED is desirable, but not essential’
AED machines are very safe, you should try to use one if available; it is likely to result in a better outcome that CPR alone
HOW TO USE AN AED:
Open the top plastic lid, the power will automatically come on, follow all of the instructions
Place the two pads on the body, in the positions shown on the pictures
When told to, stop CPR, move away from the body and when told to, push the shock button
Listen to the instructions to carry on with CPR, the AED will recheck the heart after 2 minutes
ALWAYS:
Dial 999 for an ambulance before you start CPR, go to collect or start to use an AED
Let a trained medical practitioner or first aider take the lead in any emergency situation
Send the AED away to be recharged and re-sealed after it has been used in a real-life situation
