Defibrillators

A defibrillator is a life-saving machine that gives the heart an electric shock in some cases of cardiac arrest. This is called defibrillation and can save lives.

Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops pumping blood around the body. When someone has a cardiac arrest, defibrillation needs to be prompt.

For every minute that passes without defibrillation chances of survival decrease by 14 per cent. Research shows that applying a controlled shock within five minutes of collapse provides the best possible chances of survival.

Getting defibrillators into the right places

Defibrillators, also known as automated external defibrillators (AEDs), need to be placed strategically – in areas where there is a high incidence of cardiac arrest and where it's difficult for an ambulance to get quickly.

Rural areas, communities with poor road networks or traffic congestion, and where large crowds gather are all places where we need defibrillators the most.

We can support the cost of a defibrillator with a grant, but grant applicants must provide for ongoing maintenance and community based groups should be trained regularly. For information on how to apply for funding, please get in touch.

More than 6,000 defibrillators have already been placed in the community since we started donating them in 1996. We know of at least 230 lives that have been saved through our investment.

Using defibrillators

How do I use one properly?

It’s very easy to use an AED. The rescuer turns the machine on which then gives voice prompts, telling the rescuer what to do. The rescuer will be asked to put pads into position on the person’s chest. These pads detect electrical activity in the heart and will be able to tell if a shock is needed.

Anyone can use an AED, but it's preferable that people receive training first. It would be better if more people were trained in CPR, which buys time before defibrillation.

Should a defibrillator be kept locked away so it doesn't get damaged or stolen?

We have a policy that AEDs we fund should not be put in locked or code-restricted cabinets.

Should GP surgeries to be equipped with defibrillators?

Research shows that GP surgeries equipped with defibrillators can improve survival by up to 60 per cent if the patient is treated immediately or soon after entering cardiac arrest.

How a BHF defibrillator saved Gary's life

Gary Humphries, 54, from Caerphilly, owes his life to staff at his local leisure centre.

Gary suffered a massive heart attack and went into cardiac arrest whilst playing squash at Hawthorn Leisure Centre in Treforest, Rhondda Cynon Taf.

He would have died if the centre had not had a defibrillator funded by us Two members of staff, Anthony Blackburn and John Hancock, had recently been trained how to use the equipment by Tony Rossetti, a BHF-funded community defibrillation officer. It was the first time they had needed to put their training into practice.

Anthony and John were at the scene within a minute and applied a shock from the defibrillator within two minutes. The shock revived Gary, who had been clinically dead for those two minutes. There is no doubt their speedy response saved Gary's life.

I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for their quick response and skills and the fact there was a defibrillator in that leisure centre.

Gary's father died from a heart attack aged 46, and his grandmother died from a heart attack aged 59. Gary had been on medication for high cholesterol since his father died, but played sport and tried to eat healthily. He stopped smoking many years ago.

After his cardiac arrest, it took five days before Gary came around. He underwent angioplasty surgery and had a stent fitted to improve his blood flow through his narrowed arteries. He is now taking beta blockers, statins and other drugs and has returned to work as a material controller for Rolls Royce engines.

Gary says: "I owe Anthony and John my life. I didn't even know what a defibrillator was before that day - I certainly do now!"

Gary is now campaigning for more defibrillators to be made available in public places, particularly in Wales, and he is determined to become a First Responder for his area so that he can help save other heart attack victims' lives.

He added: "I don't feel at all impaired now and I have probably come out of this a stronger person. Whatever I can do to make a difference, I will do, however small a difference it makes."