When you go to the defibrillator cabinet, it will probably be locked. Dial 999 and ask for "Ambulance", give the code written on the cabinet and the call handler give you the information to unlock it.

AEDs (automatic external defibrillators) are specifically designed to be used by a person without training. Just carefully follow the instructions on the unit.

How To Do CPR

Hands-only CPR

To carry out chest compressions:

• Place the heel of your hand on the breastbone at the centre of the person's chest. Place your other hand on top of your first hand and interlock your fingers.
• Position yourself with your shoulders above your hands.
• Using your body weight (not just your arms), press straight down by 5 to 6cm (2 to 2.5 inches) on their chest.
• Keeping your hands on their chest, release the compression and allow the chest to return to its original position.
• Repeat these compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 times a minute until an ambulance arrives or you become exhausted.

When you call for an ambulance, telephone systems now exist that can give basic life-saving instructions, including advice about CPR. These are now common and are easily accessible with mobile phones.

CPR with rescue breaths

If you have been trained in CPR, including rescue breaths, and feel confident using your skills, you should give chest compressions with rescue breaths.

If you're not completely confident, attempt hands-only CPR instead.

About This App

This app was created by Redcliffe Web as a service to our community here in Portishead and the surrounding area, including Bristol.

Originally it was a tool for the Portishead Coastguard Rescue Team so they would always have access to the nearest defibrillator when needed. It then became apparent that it's value extended to the wider community, so now it is available to anyone. Thanks go to Portishead Coastguard who did most of the original legwork in finding all the defibrillators, photographing them and getting exact locations.

The app has good coverage of my local area around Portishead and Clevedon, and some parts of Bristol. Now is the time though to roll it out nationwide. If you would like to help the project by becoming a local admin covering, that would be wonderful. It would just take a few hours of your time to identify all the defibrillators in your area (I can provide information of some of the miscellaneous resources which will help), take photographs and upload the data. To register, just go to https://defib-map.co.uk/admin/register.php

This app is listed on Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK , where there are links to many other similar local listings of defibrillators in other parts of the country. Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK is a peer support group for those who have experienced a sudden cardiac arrest or have been directly involved i.e. have done CPR or used an AED. It has over 1700 members and have been working with Resus Council, European Resuscitation Council, SADS UK and the BHF to improve life after cardiac arrest. Bringing peers together after an event like a cardiac arrest can be a key part in the recovery journey.

Disclaimer

All information here is provided in good faith but is not guaranteed. Some defibrillator locations may have changed, or been removed without our knowledge. Please do let us know if any of the defibrillators listed is no longer in the specified location, or is out of service.