The church facilities committee has recently installed a defibrillator for use in an emergency
when someone has stopped breathing. If those assisting commence CPR chest compression
immediately, while others call 000 and quickly access and fit the defibrillator, this maximizes
the chances the patient will recover successfully.
The defibrillator can be fitted and used, if necessary, by untrained people as when it is
switched on it provides voice instructions and confirmation of the effectiveness of its attachment,
confirms whether defibrillation is necessary and prompts those helping by giving step
by step instructions, timing the effectiveness the CPR and providing feedback as to what
needs to be done until the ambulance has arrived. These actions should be continued until
the paramedics take over. They may wish to take the defibrillator with them as it records
patient information possibly useful for the doctor.
The defibrillator is kept in a clearly marked, security alarmed cabinet, beside the Picture of
St Thomas Moore and the World Map at the end of the foyer just behind the Piety Stall.
When the AED cabinet door is opened an audible alarm sounds and a red light flashes.
This may draw the attention of others who can help with the emergency. When the cabinet
door is closed, the alarm switches off.
The defibrillator pack includes a pair of scissors to assist in removing the patient’s upper
clothing for the fitting of the defibrillator contact pads together with diagrams as to where the
pads are placed.
For more information on the defibrillator watch “Training for Unexpected Heroes using the ZOLL AED 3 (AHA) “on YouTube.