A portable defibrillator is used to help someone who has gone into cardiac arrest. It is a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, device that can analyse the heart’s rhythm and, if appropriate, deliver an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. Portable defibrillators have become very common, often found in offices, shops, factories and airports etc. In many cases their defibrillators are for the exclusive use of staff members and visitors, often not even being registered for deployment to members of the public. Other defibrillators are present in Sports Centres, Football Grounds and such as Theatres and Cinemas, where staff MAY agree for the defibrillator to be taken offsite in an emergency. Unfortunately, there are numerous instances where staff have refused to allow the defibrillator to be taken offsite, often stating it to be against their Health & Safety Regulations or a breach of their Insurance Terms and Conditions, both reasons being highly questionable.

A genuine CPAD (Community Public Access Defibrillator) is installed externally to the property acting as its host, often in a cabinet that requires a code to access the defibrillator, and available to members of the public 24/7. In many cases the defibrillator does not actually belong to the host, being the property of an organisation that has arranged the appropriate funding and has appointed Defibrillator Guardians to oversee the servicing and management of the defibrillator to ensure that it is always rescue ready. These are registered with The Circuit so that when a caller informs them of someone in Cardiac Arrest, or danger of going into Cardiac Arrest, they can be guided to the nearest Public Access Defibrillator if one exists within the prescribed distance from the incident. The 999 operator will also provide the security code where required.

Anyone can use a portable defibrillator as the device talks you through the procedure. However, there are a variety of defibrillators used in the public domain, and it helps to appreciate the differences. Some are fully automatic and will start up as soon as the lid is opened or the ON button is pressed. Once the device is on and the pads applied to the patient, it will analyse automatically, telling you to stand clear, and even shock the patient automatically where advised, again telling you to stand clear. Other styles will advise which button to press and when.

The average cost of a new defibrillator and cabinet acquired through the Public Access Defibrillators UK suppliers is £1600.