If you are a member of a Defibrillator Accreditation Scheme run by your local Ambulance Service Trust then you must remember to keep checking your defibrillators during these unprecedented times.
The general public may still rely on your public access defibrillator as it is classed as essential equipment and will need checking.
You could incorporate the checking of your public access defibrillator into your daily exercise maybe. Defibrillators ideally will need to be checked daily, weekly and monthly. We strongly recommend that you follow the advice as laid out in the manufacturers guidance documents.
As a guide the following will need to be checked:
Daily Check
Visual check the device display indicates the defibrillator is working correctly
Weekly checks
Check the device display indicates the defibrillator is working correctly
Switch on the defibrillator to confirm that it is working and switch off (unless otherwise instructed)
Check the pads have not exceeded their expiry date, order new pads if they are approaching expiry date
Check the spare pads have not exceeded their expiry date, order new pads if they are approaching expiry date
Record these checks to identify when and who carried the out
Monthly Checks
Check the device display indicates the defibrillator is working correctly
Switch on the defibrillator to confirm that it is working and switch off (unless otherwise instructed)
Check the pads have not exceeded their expiry date or order new pads if they are approaching expiry date
Check the spare pads have not exceeded their expiry date, order new pads if they are approaching expiry date
Check the battery is within its expiry date and has enough charge if you have a defibrillator showing a battery level indicator
Record these checks to identify when and who carried them out
Confirm the check has taken place by adding details to the online checking system with your nominated Ambulance Service Trust
This will then ensure that the database in your local area is kept fully up to date and that only operational defibrillators are deployed in an emergency response call.
Defibrillator Storage Cabinet
Check that the storage cabinet is easily accessible, highly visible their is no damage to the storage unit and that it clearly displays the UK standard defibrillator sign.
Training
A Defibrillator can be used by someone with little or no training however for the best chance of patient survival familiarisation or competency based training is beneficial on an annual basis.
During Cardio Resuscitation and Defibrillator training you will:
- Understand basic life support requirements
- Be able to demonstrate basic life support techniques and automated external defibrillator use in line with current national guidelines
- Be able to demonstrate post-resuscitation procedures such as demonstrating how to place a casualty in the recovery position
- Be able to carry out basic user maintenance and troubleshoot problems with an automated external defibrillator
- Identify when a defibrillator battery requires changing, identify when electrode pads need replacing, how to troubleshoot problems if the automated external defibrillator does not
function correctly - Understand the safe use of an automated external defibrillator
- Demonstrate how to manage a choking casualty, a casualty experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack or angina
