Why should we have a defibrillator? Expand It is estimated that there are around 60,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests each year in the UK and of these around 30,000 are discovered in time for someone to help save the victim’s life.If a defibrillator is used within 3-5 minutes of cardiac arrest, survival rates jump from 6% to 74%
Which defibrillators do you supply? Expand We supply a choice of the semi automated or fully automated LIFEPAK CR2. The LIFEPAK CR2 is suitable for both adult and child use as it has a paediatric mode, this means that you do not need to purchase an additional set of pads for child use. The LIFEPAK CR2 is the only defibrillator that allows CPR compressions during heart rhythm analysis so there is no ‘hands-off’ time and it has the fastest time to first shock of all defibrillators on the market. This defibrillator has the most up to date technology including WiFi. More information on the device itself can be found here.
Should we have a fully automated or a semi-automated device? Expand The difference between a fully automated and semi automated defibrillator is very small. The decision as to which one to choose is often down to personal choice and circumstances. Both have their advantages and disadvantages and it is important that you choose the type of defibrillator that best suits your needs and circumstances. The key difference between the two is that the semi automated device requires the user to manually press a button to deliver the shock. The fully automated device on the other hand, will tell you to stand clear and automatically administer the shock itself, if analysis has determined that a shock is required.
Where should we site our defibrillator? Expand Think carefully about whether you will be siting your defibrillator inside or outside. It is always preferable for the defibrillator to be located where it can be publicly accessed if possible. Think about where most people would be able to access the device, whether it will be accessible 24 hrs a day and if the area is well lit. A prominent and visible place but one which is not overly exposed to the elements is often best. Think about who might need to access the defibrillator and ensure you place it as a suitable height. Think about access routes and ensure there are no obstacles which might prevent access in an emergency.
What else do we need to go with our defibrillator? Expand Your defibrillator comes complete with a ready rescue kit which contains; a razor, scissors, face mask, gloves etc. If you are siting your defibrillator inside a building you will need to consider purchasing a bracket/hanger. If you are siting your defibrillator outside of a building you will need to purchase a heated cabinet which can be supplied by HeartSWell.
Our defibrillator is being sited outside, which type of cabinet do we need? Expand When considering which type of cabinet think about the following: Will the cabinet be in contact with sea water on a regular basis? Will the cabinet be located in a safe area i.e. low levels of crime/vandalism If your cabinet is not located near sea water and is in a safe location you will need a mild steel unlocked cabinet (this is what most people have) If your cabinet is not located near sea water and is in a location that is known to be at risk of vandalism you will need a mild steel locked cabinet. If your cabinet is located near the sea in a safe location a stainless steel unlocked cabinet is required. If your cabinet is located near the sea in a location that is known to be at risk of vandalism you will need a stainless steel locked cabinet. Please note that all cabinets require a standard electrical supply (3-pin plug) and you will need to arrange for the cabinet to be fitted by yourself or an electrician.
How much does it cost to run a heated cabinet? Expand The estimated cost of having a heated cabinet in the South of England is £20 per annum.
How much does a defibrillator cost? Expand The current retail price of the semi automated LIFEPAK CR2 is £1,959.60 and the fully automated LIFEPAK CR2 retails at £2.062.80. The cabinets we supply retail from £400 to £600 each. Hearts Together's defibrillator packages, supplying either the semi automated or fully automated LIFEPAK CR2 range from £500 to £1,750. Every defibrillator comes with a rescue kit and a set of defibrillator pads suitable for both adult and child use. As a charity seeking to support communities to become heart safe, we offer the greatest subsidies where defibrillators will be placed for full public access and/or to support vulnerable people for example refuges or supported living accommodation. All our prices are inclusive of VAT. Standard packages for defibrillators sited either inside or outside, away from sea water Accessibility Defibrillator Only Defibrillator + Bracket Defibrillator + Mild Steel Unlocked Cabinet Defibrillator + Mild Steel Locked Cabinet Full Public Access/Vulnerable Persons £500 £500 £875 £950 Private/Limited Access £1,000 £1,000 £1,500 £1,550 If the defibrillator is to be sited near sea water the package costs are: Accessibility Defibrillator + stainless Steel Unlocked Cabinet Defibrillator + Stainless Steel Locked Cabinet Full Public Access/ Vulnerable Persons £1,000 £1,100 Private/Limited Access £1,625 £1,750 If for any reason funding is an issue, it is possible to request grant funding from the charity to cover the full cost of the defibrillator by completing this form. All grant applications are evaluated and assessed on a case by case basis by the board of trustees.
How do we request a defibrillator? Expand Simply complete our online request form or contact us on 01752 315 900 to complete this over the phone with a member of our team.
Do we need to be trained to use a defibrillator? Expand You do not need any formal training to use a defibrillator, the device will guide the user through each action they need to take using audio and visual instructions. It is however important to note that statistics show that: Only 40% of bystanders who witness a cardiac arrest will intervene and offer CPR or defibrillation. Survival rates significantly increase if a bystander has received training and spontaneously provides CPR and defibrillation. We would therefore strongly suggest that awareness sessions are provided as a minimum but that CPR and defibrillation training significantly increases the likelihood of the equipment being used to save a life.
Who provides training? Expand There are a number of accredited training providers across the south west that you may wish to contact. It is also advisable to contact your local hospital resuscitation team as they often provide training free of charge or at a much reduced cost. Alternative options include: St John's Ambulance British Red Cross
How do we register our defibrillator with the South West Ambulance service? Expand It is important that you register your defibrillator with the South West Ambulance Service so that in the case of an emergency they can direct any caller or bystander to the device. Registering your device could save a life. All you need to do is click here and complete their online form.
What checks do we need to carry out each week/month? Expand Although your defibrillator performs self-checks, best practice is to carry out a full check every week using a checklist such as this one here. It is also important to complete the South West Ambulance Service monthly report form online.
How do we order replacement consumables - pads, batteries, rescue kits etc? Expand As part of your defibrillator package, you are automatically signed up to the 'Basic Care Package' with The Defibshop - further details can be found here. One of the key benefits is that they will provide replacement defibrillator pads for free for the first two years if they are used in an emergency situation. When it comes to purchasing replacement consumables, The Defibshop offer a discounted price to HeartSWell defibrillator recipients. They can be contacted directly and will charge the following: Item Cost (inclusive of VAT) Rescue Kit £12 Replacement Pads £72 Replacement Batteries £162 AED Poster £5 If you prefer you can purchase your consumables from other suppliers including but not limited to; St John's Ambulance and The Defib Store.
How long does the battery last? Expand The LIFEPAK CR2 battery has a 4 year fully operational guarantee.
What happens after the warranty expires? Expand You can continue to use your defibrillator after the warranty expires but you may choose to have it services periodically and consider fundraising to purchase a replacement device when your existing defibrillator reaches the end of its useful life. Companies such as Trimbio offer defibrillator servicing at very reasonable prices.
What can we do to support Hearts Together to help other communities to install defibrillators? Expand Your support with fundraising events and awareness raising would be very much appreciated. Post a picture of your defibrillator on social media and tag us, why not create a short video and share your story here on our website so others can take a look? We also ask that you consider undertaking your own fundraising campaign in February during national heart awareness month. It can be as simple as encouraging friends and family to wear red and donating £1 or you can go the whole hog and maybe even jump out of a plane!! Every effort not matter how small makes a real difference. For more fundraising ideas take a look here!
Where can I go for further information and advice? Expand There is a great deal of additional information available to assist you in choosing the best defibrillator option for you. Further information can be found by clicking the following links: South West Ambulance Service The Resuscitation Council The British Heart Foundation
Johnny Mercer Expand Johnny Mercer is a British Conservative politician and business consultant who has been Member of Parliament for Plymouth Moor View since the 2015 general election. He is also a former British Army officer, an author and a Patron of HeartSWell South West. When not busy with his parliamentary duties and work with charitable causes, Johnny spends his precious free time with his wife and children.
Clem Spencer - Chairman Expand Inspired by our founder Monica Pearce and by his own experiences as a cardiac patient (both in London and Plymouth), Clem is now Chair of HeartSWell South West having been involved with us since the date of his own heart operation in 1994. As well as being a passionate campaigner for better cardiac services, Clem is an entrepreneur having started his career in the plant hire and construction industries. Most recently. Clem was managing director of recycling firm Wood Yew Waste, which he built from scratch and is now managed by his son. In his spare time he enjoys golf and cycling.
Liz Harding - Operations Manager Expand Liz Harding joined HeartSWell in November 2017 as Operations Manager, taking on the strategic planning and day to day running of the charity. Prior to this Liz worked as a National Operations Manager for Independent Living Services and Operations Manager of a group of GP practices. Liz has two sons and two step-daughters and in her spare time takes part in all manner of aerial circus activities.
Rob Harder - Vice Chairman Expand Rob has spent over 20 years as a manager in information technology services for Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust at Derriford Hospital, developing a wide range of experience in general management within the NHS. His professional role provides a critical link between HeartSWell and local medical staff, ensuring that our resources are employed as efficiently as possible for the benefit of heart patients. Rob undertook a Devonport Dockyard electrical apprenticeship before becoming a project engineer and then a project manager in telecommunications. He is married with 2 children and is a keen golfer. Rob joined HeartSWell as a Trustee in 2014. His dad died of a heart attack in 1985, having been an angina sufferer for a number of years. It is a cause close to his heart.
Rachel Rainbird - Administration & Support Officer Expand Rachel Rainbird is HeartSWell’s Administration & Support Officer and has worked here since 2008. She is responsible for the smooth day to day running of the charity which includes finance, governance, and communicating with our supporters. Previously, Rachel was Practice Manager at an acupuncture clinic. She is married with two sons and enjoys yoga and pilates in her spare time.