Every year, thousands of people suffer from sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospital settings. In fact, according to the British Heart Foundation, over 60,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the UK each year, and survival rates remain worryingly low. Immediate action can make all the difference. This is where automated external defibrillators (AEDs) become lifesaving tools.
Why AEDs Are Vital
A cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating, preventing blood from reaching the brain and other vital organs. Without intervention, death can occur within minutes. Early CPR and the use of an AED can double or triple survival chances. AEDs are designed to be simple to use, providing voice prompts and instructions, guiding even a bystander with minimal training through the process of delivering a potentially life-saving shock.
Having accessible AEDs in workplaces, schools, and public spaces is critical. Studies show that survival rates drop by 7-10% for every minute defibrillation is delayed. This underscores why widespread awareness and training are so important, as anyone nearby could be the difference between life and death.
What to Do in a Cardiac Emergency
If someone collapses and is unresponsive:
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Call emergency services immediately. Time is critical.
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Check for breathing. If the person is not breathing normally, start CPR.
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Use an AED as soon as possible. Turn it on and follow the prompts, it will tell you when a shock is needed.
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Continue CPR until help arrives or the person shows signs of recovery.
Even simple actions can save a life. Everyone should feel confident stepping in during a cardiac emergency, but proper guidance and training make a real difference.
Training: Confidence Saves Lives
For those who want to gain confidence in using an AED, Seal Medical has a Defibrillator Familiarisation Course available on our website. The course provides learners with the knowledge, capability, and confidence to use an AED effectively.
Course Details:
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Duration: 2.5 hours
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Maximum learners: 20 per course
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Validity: 3 years
Course Features:
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Recognising a heart attack and cardiac arrest
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Providing first aid to an unresponsive casualty
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Performing CPR
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Providing first aid to a casualty that is choking
Completing the course equips participants to act quickly and effectively in an emergency, giving them the skills to potentially save a life.
Seal Medical: AEDs and Training
At Seal Medical, we supply a wide range of AEDs, from pre-owned models to semi-automatic and fully automatic devices. Combined with the Defibrillator Familiarisation Course, we help workplaces, schools, and communities be prepared for cardiac emergencies.
Cardiac arrests can happen anywhere, to anyone, at any time. By having AEDs on hand and knowing how to use them, you can be the difference between life and death. Explore Seal Medical’s AED range and the Defibrillator Familiarisation Course today.