What are public Access defibrillation programs?

A Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) program is designed to reduce the amount of deaths from sudden cardiac arrest in public places. This is done by placing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in public places, and having trained employees in CPR and the use of AEDs.

How do you access community defibrillators?

These machines have been registered with the ambulance service, so that in a life threatening emergency, the caller can be told where the nearest defibrillator is and asked if someone can retrieve it. If the cabinet is locked, then the caller would be given the access code.

Where are public defibrillators located?

You can phone 999 and they will locate your nearest defibrillator. Defibrillators are usually located in workplaces and public spaces such as shopping centres, train stations, airports, community centres even village telephone boxes.

Are defibrillators a legal requirement?

Defibrillators and the Law Currently, there are no specific legal requirements in regard to employers having to provide defibrillators in the workplace. However, regulations require employers to ensure adequate and appropriate first aid equipment and facilities are available.

Who is required to have a defibrillator?

No Common Law Requirement for AED Unless your business is one that owes a special duty to its customers or clients (e.g., you’re a medical provider, caretaker, etc.), your business also has no common law duty to rescue or perform emergency aid to customers or employees who experience heart attacks.

Do you need a code to access a defibrillator?

Cabinets for public access defibrillators Many locked cabinets require a numerical code to unlock the door. The ambulance service will give this code to the person who makes the initial 999 call, once they have confirmed that they are dealing with a cardiac arrest.

Are defibrillators free?

You can apply for one of 3 packages, all free from the government: Public access defibrillator, CPR training kit and a cabinet. Public access defibrillator, CPR training kit.

Who can use an automated external defibrillator?

Who can use an AED? Anyone can use an AED on someone who is suspected of being in cardiac arrest. You do not need specialised AED training to use an AED. When calling triple 000 to seek emergency assistance, the operator will direct the caller to use an AED if it is available.

How many public access defibrillators are in the UK?

At the moment there are over 10,000 defibrillators in the UK with maps helping to identify the nearest one to your work place or local town with hopefully many more appearing in public places before long.