It is easy to use a defibrillator – even a child can do it Video
Anyone is able to use a defibrillator to treat a person in Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
Our video shows that defibrillators have been designed for ease of use so that prior training is not required. Even a child can use a defibrillator to save a life.
Childsplay video transcript
K: Please take a moment to watch this video, it could save a life.
I’m Keith, I’m a defibrillator specialist. If someone suffers a cardiac arrest, there might not be an expert close by. Therefore we want to show you how easy it is to operate a defib and that’s why we have Luke.
*Luke waves*
If someone is in cardiac arrest, the only thing that is going to help them is a defibrillator.
L: What’s cardiac arrest?
K: A cardiac arrest is when someone’s heart is not beating normally and they fall unconscious and are in trouble.
L: What can I do?
K: Firstly, try not to panic, you’re there to help the person.
L: What happens if I get it wrong?
K: The good thing about this is you cannot misuse a defibrillator. What the defibrillator will do is check out for the heart rhythm it is supposed to be in, if it’s in a shockable rhythm it will deliver a shock. If not, then it won’t. Shall we give it a go?
*Luke nods*
For this next part, we’re going to follow Luke and his interaction with the defibrillator. Luke has never seen a defibrillator before, let’s see how he gets on.
*Luke switches the defibrillator on*
Call 999.
Adult mode.
Follow the voice prompts calmly.
Remove clothing from the chest, rip clothing if necessary.
Take out pads. Tear open the pad packaging. Look closely at the picture on each pad. Peel off the pad labelled 1. Place pad on the patient’s bare chest, exactly as shown on the picture. Peel off pad labelled 2. Place second pad on bare skin, exactly as shown in the picture.
Press the pads firmly to the bare skin of the patient. Do not touch the patient.
Analysing heart rhythm.
Shock advised.
Stand clear. Press the flashing orange button.
Shock delivered.
Be sure emergency medical services have been called.
You may touch the patient
Begin CPR
Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the chest. Place the heel of the other hand on top of the first.
Push the chest down firmly 5cm in time with the beat.
Continue CPR until Emergency Services arrive.
K: So Luke, how was that?
L: I was a bit scared at first, but it was fairly easy.
K: Well it’s as simple as that. A defibrillator is designed for any of the general public to use, whether that be on family, friends or even a child in the playground.
There are also paediatric pads available for children 8 or under and what this does is reduces the shock given to a child than it would to an adult. These also come in switch form. Please share this video with friends and family as this could potentially save someone’s life.
defibshop are committed to equipping everyone with the skills and knowledge to save a life. Speak to one of our Product Specialists on 0161 776 7422 or fill out our Contact Form.
Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash
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