AED Zone
We are specialists in Automated External Defibrillation and strongly advocate the wider placement of AEDs.
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Case study: Royal Navy
"The training was highly valuable in a number of ways... I would recommend this training to any company."
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FAQs: The complete AED lowdown
Do I need one by law?
There is no statutory requirement under English and Welsh law to provide a defibrillator, however it is possible that liability may arise from the failure to provide one. Now that AED's have reduced significantly in price it may argued that it would have been reasonable to provide one in a certain situation or location. The decision whether or not to provide an AED would need to be based on a risk assessment. Factors to be considered would be how many people pass through your site, a large footfall would increase the frequency of cardiac arrest, for example a large supermarket or place of religious worship. Leisure facilities sports / community centres, golf courses and gym also increase the risk. EM Training Services can assist you with a risk assessment if required.
Should you be First Aider before having AED training?
No. You do not need previous first aid experience to train on the AED. Many people who have successfully used the AED had no previous medical experience.
Isn't it scary to use the unit?
The AED is designed to be simple and straight forward. A resuscitation is never a nice thing to be involved in but we feel it is better to be prepared and know what to do. Having tried your best, known what to do and having provided the best chance for someone can be comforting even if the outcome is not favourable. Most people who utilise their skills for real just want to talk it through with someone who can reassure them they did everything they could. EM Training Services offers a service where for the duration of your certificate if you use your skills you can speak with a trainer 24 / 7.
Is it dangerous?
AED's analyse the heart rhythm through sticky pads applied to the victims chest. If the AED picks up a normal rhythm then it will advise 'no shock'. If this happens a shock cannot be delivered whether you press the button or not. Therefore you cannot make the situation any worse by using an AED. It is important however that neither you or any other bystander touch the person whilst delivering a shock, this is covered in depth during training.
Is it cost effective?
That will depend on a number of factors in your risk assessment. Think of an AED as an insurance policy however and the premiums for such a service will seem minimal compared with the potential benefits. An AED will probably cost you less than a new plasma screen for the boardroom so why not be on the safe side.
Will I be sued?
In order to be successfully sued someone would have to prove that you made the situation worse by using the AED. For the reasons stated above it is inconceivable how you could possibly make the situation worse.
It's a responsibility! What if I get it wrong in the heat of the moment?
Training brings confidence, but from the moment you open the lid of an AED it will verbally and visually guide you through each step. It will not let you harm the patient as it only allows a shock if one is required. Many lives have been saved by people who had no medical experience prior to their AED course.
I am concerned my staff will not want to take this on!
If word gets around that you are considering bringing in AED's at your organisation some staff may feel concerned about the idea. Remember where as you have read this and been reassured, they may be thinking of Josh on casualty using a manual defibrillator which looks complicated and scary! EM Training Services are experts in AED and have vast experience of the cultural impact of introducing AED's into many different organisations. We will happily visit your premises prior to an AED programme being implemented and talk with concerned staff and make presentations to educate, advocate and reassure.
Are there ongoing maintenance cost associated with AED's?
The Powerheart G3 range of AED's come with a 7 year warranty and check themselves daily so there is no routine maintenance required. The battery has a four year warranty and is non rechargeable so you don't need to an external power source.
Is there really a need?
Yes. Too many people die prematurely from heart disease. It is the UKs leading cause of premature death. People who have been successfully defibrillated have gone on to lead healthy productive lives. It's all about time, having a defibrillator to hand will maximise the chances of successful resuscitation.