Thinking about applying a defibrillator from Red Sky Foundation?

Here’s what you need to know:

Our community is considering a Community & Public Access Defibrillator (cPAD) – what do we need to think about?

At Red Sky Foundation, we have various packages to provide your community with a defibrillator and the external cabinet to house it, and can offer free familiarisation & education sessions for your community.

Location Considerations

• Is there somewhere that is clearly visible and easily recognisable?
• Is there enough light so that people can see the cabinet and lock mechanism?
• Is there an accessible power supply?
• Is there any CCTV nearby?
• Are there any other life saving devices already in the area?

Any cabinet that stores a defibrillator on the outside of the building will need an electricity supply to power a heater, which ensures that the defibrillator is kept above 5°C, so that it remains operational. Our cabinets weather proof and secure.

Ownership

The defibrillator would belong to the organisation or community and it would be their responsibility to ensure that it is checked regularly, to establish that it is in good working order and that the defibrillator pads are in date.

Defibrillator sites should have at least one guardian but preferably two, who are responsible for checking the site, and logging their checks on The Circuit.

Installation

As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safer place to live, learn, work and play, Red Sky Foundation are able to provide an installation service including parts and labour through our approved and fully certified installation team.

Ongoing costs

You should also make provision for the on-going costs over the life of the defibrillator:

• New pads when they go out of date or if they are used
• New battery
• The cost of electric for the cabinet, estimated at approximately £30 maximum per year

If your community or organisation is thinking of installing one of our defibrillators then do not forget to insure your new equipment. Prior to purchasing your defibrillator and cabinet you should contact your insurer to confirm the Public Liability section will provide cover. You should consider insurance for the defibrillator and cabinet against theft or accidental damage cover.

Warranty

The machine will be covered by a warranty of minimum 5 years. The pads usually have a shelf life of between 2-5 years, and the batteries of between 4-7 years.

Do I need to be trained to use the defibrillator?

Whilst the Resuscitation Council (UK) take the view that the use of one should not be restricted to trained personnel, it also states that it is “highly desirable that those who may be called upon to use an AED (automated external defibrillator) should be trained in their use, and keep their skills up to date”.

Evidence shows that the time to the first shock being delivered, a crucial factor in survival, is much shorter where there are people who are familiar with and able to use the AED. The awareness sessions we offer should give people the knowledge to identify someone in cardiac arrest, and the confidence to start CPR and use the AED.

How do we make sure it is always ready?

By having two guardians who will check the defibrillator and cabinet on a weekly basis, it helps to ensure that if there are any issues, you are aware of them quickly, and can ensure that the defibrillator is temporarily deactivated on The Circuit if needs be.