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Automated External Defibrillators "AED"
6 September 2022
An AED is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It is a sophisticated but easy-to-use medical device that can analyse the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.
What does an AED do?
An AED delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. The shock can potentially stop an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and allow a normal rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
SCA occurs when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly. If not treated within minutes, it quickly leads to death. The heart must be “defibrillated” quickly because a person's chance of surviving drops by 10% every minute without treatment to maintain blood circulation.*
Through the pads the AED can monitor the heart’s electrical rhythm and deliver a shock when it is needed. The AED gives voice instructions to tell you exactly what you should do. Visual prompts are also provided through simple diagrams on the AED or its case.
How would I use an AED effectively?
To use an AED safely and effectively, all you need to do is:
- If you see someone having a cardiac arrest, call 222 (for ambulance and security support) and start CPR and get someone to get the AED
- Place the AED next to the person and then open the AED lid
- Switch on the AED and follow the spoken instructions given by the AED (in English)
Powerheart G5 Demonstration video
Where can I find an AED at UCL?
UCL has deployed 30 POWERHEART® G5 Automatic External defibrillators throughout the Bloomsbury campus for use in emergency situations.
> Defibrillators at UCL (UCL login required)
Can my department get an AED?
Departments can request the installation of an AED via the Estates Customer Helpdesk. Estates will advise on the required model, an appropriate location and arrange any associated works.
Departments are responsible for:
- Paying for the AED and associated installation costs
- Notifying the Estates Customer Helpdesk of any changes to the AED (visible damage etc)
- Reporting any incidents which involve the use of the AED using riskNET, the incident reporting tool
> riskNET
Further information
> Read more about defibrillators at UCL
> POWERHEART® G5 AED User's Guide
* Source: www.heartsafe.org.uk