Defibrillators are devices that restore a normal heartbeat by sending an electric pulse or shock to the heart. They are used to prevent or correct an arrhythmia, a heartbeat that is uneven or that is too slow or too fast. Defibrillators can also restore the heart’s beating if the heart suddenly stops.
Public Access Defibrillators are "popping up all over the country" according to
https://www.resus.org.uk/public-resource/defibrillation and I certainly know of the ones nearest to where I live, and the one just installed at the Melksham Hub, opposite the railway station.
For every minute that someone’s in cardiac arrest without receiving CPR and having a defibrillator used on them, their chance of survival decreases by 10%. That’s why it’s so important to act immediately.
A defibrillator gives a jolt of energy to the heart, which can help restore the heart’s rhythm, and get it beating normally again. This simple piece of equipment is easy to use and doesn’t require training, but it could make the difference between life and death – so it’s important to find and use a defibrillator in an emergency.
On
10th January 2017, Network Rail published an information package - see
https://safety.networkrail.co.uk/healthandwellbeing/supporting-wellbeing-at-work/defibrillators-manager-support/ - offering guidance to managers and useful to - well - just about anyone who may be around anywhere, to help encourage knowledge of where these devices are and what to do in an emergncy.
From
16th October 2021 in
the ArgusDEFIBRILLATORS have been installed at every Southern and Thameslink railway station.
The life-saving machines have been installed at 238 train stations across the UK▸ as part of a £15 million station improvement programme.
All Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern station will now have access to an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Is there a
GWR▸ defibrillator map? see
http://www.passenger.chat/17500 which could really do with an update!
Click on the map to explore geographics
