What is a defibrillator?

A defibrillator is a device that uses electricity to re-start your heart. The electricity can shock your heart back into its normal heartbeat pattern. They are sometimes called a 'defib'.

The defibrillator checks your heartbeat pattern to decide whether an electric shock is needed.

What are the different types of defibrillators?

There are different types of defibrillators that work in different ways.

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs)

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are found in public places. They can be used by anybody in an emergency. They guide you through each step of the process.

Some types of AED ask you to press a button to deliver the shock. Other types give the electric shock automatically.

If your heart is beating normally, you don't need an electric shock. The AED will check this. It won't give an electric shock unless it's necessary. You can't hurt someone by using an AED.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are defibrillators that are put inside your body. You need an operation to put the ICD into your body.

ICDs are used in people who have a high chance of having a heart rhythm problem (heart arrhythmia). If this happens, your life can be at risk.

Wearable cardioverter defibrillators (WCDs)

Wearable cardioverter defibrillators (WCDs) rest on your body. They are usually used by people who are:

• recovering from a heart attack
• waiting for a heart transplant

What is a cardiac arrest?

A cardiac arrest is when your heart suddenly stops beating. When the heart stops beating, there is no blood going to your brain and other organs. You will die if blood does not get to your brain within 10 minutes.

A cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack, but both are emergencies. Signs that someone is having a cardiac arrest are:

• collapse
• loss of consciousness
• abnormal breathing or not breathing at all
• no pulse

When would I need to use a defibrillator?

If you need to give someone first aid, follow the DRSABCD action plan. Defibrillation is the last step in this action plan.

Defibrillators are used when someone has a cardiac arrest. This happens when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood properly.

Defibrillators should be used alongside cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR is a mixture of chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing. This is done in an emergency to help keep a person alive.

Each year, more than 25,000 Australians have a cardiac arrest outside of hospital. Less than 1 in 10 people survive if a cardiac arrest outside of hospital.

Giving CPR and using an AED as soon as possible can help the person stay alive. The most important thing is to use the AED quickly. Time is really important.

Where can I find the nearest defibrillator?

AEDs are often found in public places, such as:

• beaches
• community centres
• parks
• public libraries
• schools
• shopping and business centres
• sporting clubs and gyms
• workplaces

In indoor spaces, defibrillators are often found in the foyer or reception area. They will be clearly visible.

The Heart of the Nation app can help you find defibrillators in Australia.

How do I use an automated external defibrillator (AED)?

The AED machine will verbally tell you what to do. It will usually come with images or pictures to guide you.

Anyone can use an AED. AEDs must be used along with CPR.

See the video below to familiarise yourself with how to use an AED.

The steps are similar to those on the list below.

1. Remove all clothing from the person's chest.
2. Place the electrodes (pads) on their body. The AED will tell you where to put them.
3. Listen to the AED's instructions while it checks the person's heartbeat.
4. The AED may tell you that a shock is needed. Make sure the area around the person is clear. Don't touch the person while you are using the AED. This could interfere with how it reads the person's heart.
5. Continue CPR after the shock is given. Keep doing this until the ambulance arrives. When the ambulance comes, a paramedic will take over.
6. Keep listening to the AED. Sometimes, the device may tell you to give more than one shock.

Where can I buy an AED?

You can buy an AED for your home, work or organisation. If you want to buy an AED, be sure to:

• get it from an Australian supplier
• buy a model that is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

Place the AED where it can easily be seen. It needs to be somewhere that everyone can get to.

It should not be locked away or in a cupboard. Make sure people know where it is. It's a good idea to train people how to use it.

Be sure to regularly check the AED. You need to maintain it. Follow the manufacturer's instructions so it's ready to use at any time.

Resources and support

You don't need training to use an AED, but first aid training may increase your confidence.

To find a first aid training course near you, contact:

• St John First Aid Training on 1300 360 455
• Australian Red Cross

You can view defibrillators for sale on the St John Ambulance website.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.