Defibrillator Training

Defibrillator Training

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a small, portable piece of equipment measuring 1ft by 1ft that can deliver an electric shock to a victim of cardiac arrest in order to restore the heart to its normal rhythm.

The defibrillator contains special computer software that can analyze the cardiac rhythm and deliver a shock ONLY if the heart requires it. Therefore it is not possible to administer defibrillation to a person with healthy, regular cardiac rhythm.

Survival rates of cardiac arrest victims are directly related to the time it takes to resuscitate and administer defibrillation. If a person receives Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and is defibrillated within 5 minutes of suffering from cardiac arrest, the survival rate is approximately 50%, and is even higher with younger patients. If the time taken to resuscitate is 10 minutes or more, the chances of survival are very small.

In order to increase the chances of survival from cardiac arrest, CPR should commence as quickly as possible and the target time for defibrillation should be less than 5 minutes.

Therefore training people in CPR and defibrillation, and making defibrillators available in easy to access, local locations is vital to the survival of cardiac arrest victims in Ireland. With 6,400 cardiac arrests happening in this country per year, the need for defibrillators and people trained in CPR becomes even more apparent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the course content Include?

The Defibrillator (AED) and its maintenance. – Using a Defibrillator (AED) on an adult.

Signs of heart attack, stroke, cardiac arrest and foreign body obstruction.

Administering Asprin to a patient with cardiac chest pain.

The well being of the first responder including post traumatic stress.

How long will it last?

Training takes a half day. The certificate is valid for two years.

Where are these courses held?

Courses can be arranged close to where you live or work and may even be arranged in your company, club or school.