South Central Ambulance Service urge people to check defibrillators
Flat batteries or expired pads could prevent the devices from working properly in emergencies
Last updated 20 hours ago
People responsible for public defibrillators across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire are being urged to check the devices after they were used 458 times during emergencies across the region in the last year.
South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) says issues such as flat batteries or expired pads could prevent them from working properly when they are desperately needed.
Crews are now calling on 'defibrillator guardians' to ensure devices are monitored, accessible and registered on The Circuit, the UK's national defibrillator network.
David Hamer, Community Engagement Manager for SCAS, said the figures demonstrate the important role defibrillators play in helping people survive a cardiac arrest.
"Defibs have categorically saved many lives in our local communities - from children all the way through to the elderly," he said
"I can't express how important it is that our defibrillators are well maintained."
When somebody suffers a cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR and defibrillation significantly reduces their chances of survival.
Publicly accessible defibrillators can deliver a potentially lifesaving shock before ambulance crews arrive.
There are currently 8,215 defibrillators registered on The Circuit across the South Central region.
The network allows ambulance control room staff to direct callers to the nearest available device during a 999 emergency.
Most defibrillator guardians check their devices every month, however, SCAS says it has noticed a small increase in the number of defibrillators not being inspected regularly.
Mr Hamer believes this is often because the person responsible has moved away or is no longer overseeing the device.
Defibrillator pads, which are placed on a patient's chest during treatment, typically expire after around two years, while batteries also need to be checked and replaced when necessary.
"Our guardians are absolutely paramount in keeping these machines serviced and working," Hamer said.
"There is a degree of responsibility with that, and we want them to go out every 30 days and check those defibrillators and update The Circuit accordingly."
The appeal comes as SCAS supports Check Your Defib Week, a national campaign ledby Resuscitation Council UK encouraging organisations, businesses, community groups and individuals to inspect and maintain their devices.