How much does a defibrillator cost and how can I find my nearest one in the UK?

DEFIBRILLATORS across the UK should all be registered so that they can be easily located in an emergency.

Here's how you can find out if there is one near you - and what to do in an emergency.

1

How much do defibrillators cost?

Defibrillator machines deliver an electric shock to restart the heart if a patient goes into cardiac arrest.

The devices are portable and can be stored in any number of locations such as schools, offices and shops.

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) cost around £750 to £1,300 each.

They can also be hired by some firms from around £18 a month.

Experts say the quick use of an AED along with CPR gives an unresponsive person the best chance of survival.

Where can I find the nearest defibrillator?

Every second counts when someone has a cardiac arrest, so knowing where to find a defibrillator can be the difference between life and death.

The government has spent at least £2million paying for them to be installed at sports centres, GP ­surgeries, shopping centres and village halls.

All defibrillators in the UK should be registered with – the national defibrillator network which was launched in June 2019.

The Circuit is connected to every Ambulance Service in the UK and allows them to direct bystanders to the nearest defibrillator to help save lives.

NHS Ambulance Services also have defibrillator databases for their area.

If you need to locate one quickly you should phone 999 and ask where the nearest one is located.

If the device is registered the call handler will be able to tell you where the nearest one is plus the access code.

The British Heart Foundation says you should start CPR while waiting for the defibrillator.

has a map of locations indicating those with 24/7 and limited access.

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How do you use a defibrillator?

Using a defibrillator before an ambulance arrives doubles the patient's chance of survival.

St John Ambulance says .

The machine analyses the patient's heart rhythm and uses visual or voice prompts to guide you through each step.

The first aid charity has the following advice:

• First, make sure someone has called an ambulance. Begin CPR until someone can bring you an AED
• Switch on the AED. Follow the visual and verbal prompts until the ambulance arrives or someone with more experience takes over
• Take the pads out of the sealed pack. Remove or cut through any clothing and wipe away any sweat from the chest
• Remove the backing paper and attach the pads to the chest lengthways (in line with the body)
• The first pad goes on the upper right side of the chest, just below the collarbone
• The second pad goes on the left, just below the armpit
• The AED will start checking the heart rhythm. Make sure no one is touching the patient or they may get a shock
• Continue to follow the machine's prompts until help arrives

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