Burghclere Parish Council

A public access defibrillator (PAD) is fitted in the porch at the Portal Hall.  This equipment is available for members of the public to use in the event of an emergency where someone is in cardiac arrest.  The Parish Council is responsible for its upkeep.  Another defibrillator is installed at the Sports Club, but is only available when the Sports Club is open.  

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

​

What is a defibrillator?

 

A defibrillator is a machine designed to deliver an electric shock to a person whose heart has stopped. Termed a cardiac arrest, this is different from, but may be caused by, a heart attack, where blood flow to the heart is impaired.

 

Why use a defibrillator?

 

When someone suffers sudden cardiac arrest, prompt action by anyone nearby offers their only realistic of survival.  If you come across someone in cardiac arrest:
 

•           first make sure you are safe

•           call 999 for an ambulance

•           start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to provide the best chance of survival of the casualty.

 

Most people who survive will have needed a shock from a defibrillator to correct a chaotic heart rhythm. The earlier that shock is given, the better the person’s chance of survival.

 

Who can use a defibrillator?

 

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be used by a lay person with no formal training.  Their use relies on someone witnessing a person having a cardiac arrest and being prepared to use a defibrillator. 

 

They are designed to be used by anyone.  Once the cabinet is opened and the defibrillator is removed it will talk to you giving audible prompts.  There are clear instructions on how to attach the defibrillator pads.  It assesses the heart rhythm and will only instruct you to deliver a shock if it’s needed. 

 

How can I find my nearest defibrillator in an emergency?

 

Call 999.  The service will advise on the location of the nearest public access defibrillator and provide the code.

 

The equipment and the consumable items, such as adhesive pads, are maintained by the Parish Council to make sure that the defibrillator is always ready to use when needed.  If you do use our defibrillator, please return it to the cabinet and inform: clerk@burghclerepc.com.

 

More information

 

Further guidance about CPR and defibrillators is available on the British Heart Foundation website.

 

To locate public access defibrillators visit The Circuit - the national defibrillator network - BHF

 

 

​

​