Defibrillator

Our Defibrillators

What is a defibrillator?

A defibrillator is a device to help someone having a heart attack, or other heart abnormality, by monitoring the heart and, if necessary, delivering an electric shock.

The defibrillator needs to be used as part of a package of support including chest compressions and supportive breathing, also known as CPR. On its own the defibrillator will not keep someone alive until the paramedics arrive.

 

 

Where are they?

The defibrillators in Westerleigh are on the front of the Olde Inne, and at the front of the village hall. They are in metal boxes to protect them from the weather and from being vandalised or stolen.

 

How do I use one?

First you call 999 and ask for the ambulance service.
The operator will help you assess the situation and will help you assist the casualty by:

• helping you to give CPR to keep the blood flowing and helping the casualty to breath
• giving you a code to open the box and access the defibrillator

When opened, the defibrillator itself will give audio and written instructions on how to use it.

There are two YouTube videos showing how to use the defibrillator model we have on the Olde Inne. You can see them here: video1 video2. Look at these to become familiar with this defibrillator and help save someone's life.

 

Who looks after the defibrillators?

The Olde Inne defibrillator is looked after by the Westerleigh Neighbourhood Watch who regularly check the device and report its status to the ambulance service.

The village hall defib is looked after by the WVHall management committee.

The Neighbourhood Watch also run regular CPR training sessions which include use of the defibrillator. These are advertised in the Village Newsletter.