FAQs

Who can use an AED?
AED’s are designed to be used by anyone who arrives first on the scene of a medical emergency, even those with minimal or no First Aid or AED training.

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)?
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a condition that causes a person’s heart to stop pumping blood because of an electrical fault in the heart. This can be caused by many things but the main cause of SCA in adults is a heart attack. Electrical chaos ensues, and results in uncontrolled, non-productive quivering of the heart chambers leading to unconsciousness and death in a matter of seconds.

Why are Defibrillators important?
When a person suffers an SCA their chance of survival reduces by between 7- 10% for every minute that passes by without defibrillation. In the UK approx 270,000 people a year suffer from cardiac arrest but many of these lives could be saved if defibrillators were more readily available.

Do I still need to perform CPR?
CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) is vitally important in maintaining a shockable heart rhythm. According to current guidelines, CPR should be performed with a ratio of 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths until an AED arrives.  CPR will help keep oxygen flowing to the brain and vital organs but only the electric shock of an AED will rectify the hearts irregular rhythm.

Who can an AED be used on?
Defibrillation can be successfully used on infants (over the age of 1) and children as well as adults.

Do I still need to call 999 / 112 for an ambulance?
Yes! Although an AED is the best treatment for cardiac arrest the victim still needs urgent medical attention. An ambulance can take several minutes to arrive so they need to be called as early as possible.

Can I hurt someone with an AED?
No. A victim of SCA is, for all intents and purposes, dead. Use of an AED represents the only chance for survival. AEDs have numerous built-in safeguards and will only shock if the defibrillator recognises the casualty is in cardiac arrest.

Can any school apply for an AED?
Yes, we want all schools in the UK to be Heart Safe and we want to give at least one FREE defibrillator to a school in the UK each month. If your school is unsuccesful we want you to get involved in your own fundraising activities and we will suppport you in doing this.This can be achieved by seeking corporate sponsorship from local companies to your school and organising fundraising events at your school. We have a corporate pack and a Fundraising Pack to help you raise the funds necessary to purchase a defibrillator and training.

If I have an existing voucher can this still be used? 
Yes, existing vouchers can be used. Orders must be placed and paid for before the expiry date on the grant, against our new 2013 prices. Please not, however, no grant vouchers can be used against any of our special offers throughout the year.