Medical Emergency! Where is the nearest AED?

A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone. Every year approximately 55 out of every 100,000 people experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, with most occurring in the home or workplace.

A bystander performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) can increase the chances of survival by two to four-fold.

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) combines chest compressions and rescue breaths (but new ecommendations following the Covid-19 pandemic suggest NOT doing the rescue breaths). Its purpose is to keep the blood moving around the body to ensure oxygen reaches the brain which in turn keeps other bodily functions working. It gives a person the best chance of survival following a cardiac arrest.

But to get the heart back into action it needs to be shocked. In hospital dramas we have seen many times the paddles to shock a patient back to life.

Such scenes make dramatic TV but the availability of AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) in public areas can greatly increase survival rates following a cardiac arrest.

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic machine that can automatically detect the abnormal heart rhythms that cause cardiac arrest and can deliver the shock that is needed to save the life of a person by bringing their heart back to a normal rhythm.

AEDs are devices that can be used by anyone to administer an electric shock to a casualty. They are compact, portable, easy to use, safe and very effective. An AED gives the person using it voice instructions and will not allow a shock to be given unless the collapsed person needs one. They can be stored for long periods without use and need very little maintenance.

AEDs are becoming more common in public places but where can you find one when needed? When calling the Ambulance Service in an emergency, the operator may well tell you where your nearest AED is located but there are two in Tattenham Corner. There has been one in the foyer of the library (but only accessible during opening hours) for some years but a new one has just been installed outside the booking office at Tattenham Railway Station.

There is also one at Tadworth Leisure & Community Centre in Preston.

Hopefully, you will never have to use an AED but if the situation arises do not be afraid to use one. It’s safe, fool-proof and could save someone’s life.

The chart above from “A Guide to AEDs” displays the Chain of survival when dealing with someone suffering with cardiac arrest. The full guide can be viewed here.

Holby City making use of a defibrillator
AED located outside Tattenham Corner Station
AED located outside Tattenham Corner Station
AED located in the foyer area of Tattenham Corner Library