Can you use a defibrillator without training?

The great thing about a defibrillator is that they can be used by anybody and they don’t require training before use. Specifically designed for ease of use, defibrillators can be used by both a passer-by and a medically trained professional.

To give some background about defibrillators, you can either opt for an automatic or semi-automatic. Both deliver the same level of care when someone has fallen ill however, one will deliver its shock without any additional interaction from the user whereas a semi-automatic defibrillator will alert you to push a button when a shock needs to be delivered.

Defibrillators are designed for use when somebody is suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. They can be found in public spaces, sports facilities, schools, offices and supermarkets across the country. As a cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time, it’s really important to always keep a look out for where your nearest defibrillator is located.

To save a life, defibrillators work by scanning the hearts electrical rhythm via electrode pads, to determine whether a shock is needed and if so, will deliver one. To help anybody use a defibrillator, most are equipped with both audio and visual prompts.

This means that as soon as you get the defibrillator, you can automatically see what steps to follow to use the defibrillator effectively. Many defibrillators also give real time feedback and can measure if you are delivering CPR correctly so that you can provide the best care.

As a cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, this means that somebody could of course fall ill in a public area which could have rather loud background noise. To help with this, some defibrillators have been cleverly manufactured to alter its volume so that they can be heard over loud crowds. Developments like this with defibrillators really help in what is already a stressful situation.

With a wide range of defibrillators on the market, it can be confusing deciding what your best option is. Thankfully, all defibrillators are manufactured with ease of use in mind. This means that you don’t have to scour the internet looking for a defibrillator that ‘can be used by anyone’ as all can.

When browsing online, it is important to think about the environment your defibrillator will be located in. For example, if you are shopping for a defibrillator for your school, you would be best looking for a paediatric defibrillator as these deliver a lower shock frequency whereas, if you are looking for a defibrillator that will be located outside, it’s important to consider it’s casing and where it will be stored.

Once you have determined where your defibrillator will be stored, it is easy to make your decision. There are a number of market-leading brands available including Zoll, Phillips and CU Medical all of which are manufactured to the highest standard to always provide lifesaving care.

It’s important to always remember that if you are ever in a situation where you need to use a defibrillator that you are able to. You don’t need to wait for an ambulance to arrive as this will waste precious minutes as time is of the essence when someone has a cardiac arrest.