There is now an increasing number of Public Access Defibrillators being installed within communities around the UK. Whereas 10 years ago they were usually only installed in such as Airports, Railway Stations and major shopping malls, they can now be found outside local businesses, in parks and even on the walls of private homes

These are proven life savers.

However, there is still a certain amount of reluctance on the part of some people to do CPR and use a defibrillator on someone who is in cardiac arrest.
Cardiac Arrest is when the heart has stopped beating normally, recognised by the lack of normal breathing.
They often have a lot of questions running through their mind.

No, whilst ever you are acting in the best interest of the patient, and within the limitations of your training if a medical professional, there is no legal redress.

No, if you have confirmed that the patient is not breathing normally then he is effectively already dead and will stay so without intervention. To confirm breathing status tilt the head back, place your ear close to their mouth, and listen for breathing for 10 seconds.
Whilst listening, look down the chest and stomach for signs of movement.
The patient should take 2 or 3 breaths in the 10 second period.

Extremely rare, but in this day and age, no one can say categorically not. If you are reluctant or unable to give mouth to mouth resus just do compressions only.

Yes, in so far as your technique may not be the most effective way of doing compressions. However, any form of CPR is better than none. To perform effective compressions place the heel of one hand over the centre of the chest, place your other hand over the first and push down approx 60mm (2″) at the rate of 2 compressions per second. If you kneel to the side of the patient and position your shoulders over the patients body it will be more effective and less tiring.

Yes, it is extremely common to break one or more ribs, possibly even the sternum (breastbone). However, broken bones can be repaired if the patient survives.

Always ask bystanders if they know of a defibrillator in the area. When you ring 999 it will flag up on their screen if there is one close by, and the operator will direct you to it along with the security number for the box. If there is no defibrillator in the area proceed with CPR until the ambulance arrives. Only stop when the crew ask you to stop, the patient starts breathing, or you are too tired to continue.

Defibrillators are portable battery-operated devices that are easy to use, giving specific instructions throughout the procedure.
Using a defibrillator to shock the heart within minutes of the Cardiac Arrest may restore a normal heart rhythm. Every minute counts as each minute lost reduces the chance of survival.
It is helpful if you have the sequence of basic CPR clear in your mind.
Effective CPR is an integral part of using a defibrillator, substantially increasing the chance of survival.

As soon as you have the defibrillator start using it.
If no one else is able to continue CPR leave CPR for now and concentrate on the defibrillator.

1. Place the defibrillator next to the patients head at your side of the patient.

2. Open the defibrillator lid, this will turn the AED on if semi or fully automatic, if not press the ON button.

3. Open the patients clothing to reveal the bare chest reveal the bare chest and prepare as necessary for the pads.

4. Follow the defibrillators pre-programmed instructions.

5. It is essential for safety and effectiveness to have bystanders, and yourself, stand clear when the defibrillator is analysing and shocking the patient.

6. If the patient recovers place them in the recovery position (on their side), with the defibrillator still attached and turned on, and continue to monitor.

7. Inform Ambulance crew of all relevant information, especially how many shocks given.

CAN I, as the rescuer, suffer any emotional distress following the performance of CPR: Yes, it is extremely common to suffer many mixed emotions after performing CPR.

No, whilst ever you are acting in the best interest of the patient, and within the limitations of your training if a medical professional, there is no legal redress.

No, if you have confirmed that the patient is not breathing normally then he is effectively already dead and will stay so without intervention. To confirm breathing status tilt the head back, place your ear close to their mouth, and listen for breathing for 10 seconds.
Whilst listening, look down the chest and stomach for signs of movement.
The patient should take 2 or 3 breaths in the 10 second period.

Extremely rare, but in this day and age, no one can say categorically not. If you are reluctant or unable to give mouth to mouth resus just do compressions only.

Yes, in so far as your technique may not be the most effective way of doing compressions. However, any form of CPR is better than none. To perform effective compressions place the heel of one hand over the centre of the chest, place your other hand over the first and push down approx 60mm (2″) at the rate of 2 compressions per second. If you kneel to the side of the patient and position your shoulders over the patients body it will be more effective and less tiring.

Yes, it is extremely common to break one or more ribs, possibly even the sternum (breastbone). However, broken bones can be repaired if the patient survives.

Always ask bystanders if they know of a defibrillator in the area. When you ring 999 it will flag up on their screen if there is one close by, and the operator will direct you to it along with the security number for the box. If there is no defibrillator in the area proceed with CPR until the ambulance arrives. Only stop when the crew ask you to stop, the patient starts breathing, or you are too tired to continue.

Defibrillators are portable battery-operated devices that are easy to use, giving specific instructions throughout the procedure.
Using a defibrillator to shock the heart within minutes of the Cardiac Arrest may restore a normal heart rhythm. Every minute counts as each minute lost reduces the chance of survival.
It is helpful if you have the sequence of basic CPR clear in your mind.
Effective CPR is an integral part of using a defibrillator, substantially increasing the chance of survival.

As soon as you have the defibrillator start using it.
If no one else is able to continue CPR leave CPR for now and concentrate on the defibrillator.

  • If the patient doesn’t survive you may have concerns that your attempt at CPR was ineffective and suffer feelings of guilt. You may ask yourself would you have been better stepping back and letting someone more experienced perform resus. The answer to this one is simple. You have performed resus to the best of your ability, and if there was anyone close by that was better trained I can guarantee you they would have stepped forward and offered to assist. The patient may not have survived because of the length of time they had been non breathing or the severity of a heart attack or stroke could have been such that any attempt was doomed to failure, even by the professionals. Family members of the deceased will be comforted by the fact that someone give their loved one every chance of survival.
  • If the patient survives people assume you will be elated and preening yourself, which is true in many cases. However, some people feel a real sense of guilt, even when the patient survives, especially if they have broken a few ribs. When someone goes into Cardiac Arrest the odds are often against them, even with early intervention. The patient and family would all say the same thing, do what you need to do to save their life. That is actually the crux of the matter, your aim is simply to save their life, future medical and/or emotional problems experienced by the patient upon survival is down to the professionals to resolve.
  • The rescuer, whether successful or not, may find it hard to clear his mind of the actual process of CPR. Pressing down hard and deep on someone’s chest is a very abnormal thing to experience. Jolting someone’s body with electric shocks is not what you expected to be doing 30 minutes ago. Flashbacks are very common and often do become less frequent over time. If it is a partner or family member that you have revived it is natural that you will be anxious for many months or even years that it may happen again. If you are struggling to cope with your emotions it is essential that you see your doctor and ask for a referral to a counsellor. If you feel that your concerns are not being taken seriously ring your local Ambulance Trust and ask for their ‘Community Defibrillation Officer’ who will arrange for someone to contact you.

Summary:
As a rescuer, trained or untrained, you are giving the patient every possible chance to survive. Never feel guilty at losing the patient nor the side effects that a survivor may suffer from. Be proud of yourself for having stepped forward when many others wouldn’t have done. Regardless of the end result family members will always be pleased that someone at least tried.