A leading Irish First Aid supplier is calling on the public to learn how to use defibrillators, saying it is a life skill that can literally be a lifesaver.
First Aid Supplies ® are organising a series of free online demonstrations for workplaces, community groups, schools and the hospitality sector to help people become familiar with the BeneHeart defibrillator which is the most user friendly defib in Ireland.
Latest figures show that 5,000 people die each year from sudden cardiac arrest in Ireland, an average of 14 per day. For every minute that passes after a cardiac arrest, the chances of recovery are reduced by a staggering 7% to 10%.
Having early access to CPR and an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) are critical steps in the cardiac chain of survival, according to the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), the regulator for emergency medical services in Ireland.
How to use a defib (or AED)
- A defib can be used by anyone, even people who have never used one before. If someone has collapsed and is unresponsive, check for breathing by looking, listening, and feeling.
- If the person is not breathing call 999/112 immediately and send someone for the nearest defib while you begin CPR. That is the only chance of survival for someone in cardiac arrest.
- Once switched on the defib will guide you through what to do, including placing pads on the patient’s chest.
- You cannot deliver a shock to someone who does not need one – the defib will analyse the patient and will tell you if a shock is required so there is no need to be fearful.
- Continue CPR as required.
Workplaces can contact sales@firstaidsupplies.org to organise their free online demonstrations
Freephone 1800 347782
