St John Ambulance comments on latest research showing that AEDs save lives

St John Ambulance welcomes the research by Cardiff University published on 18 July which advises that the number of AEDs (automated external defibrillators) in public places should be increased. This is based on findings that 132 people’s lives were saved between 1999 and 2005 due to them receiving defibrillation at the scene where their hearts stopped beating.

Isobel Sternfeld, Training Officer at St John Ambulance, says: ‘The quicker a defibrillator is used after cardiac arrest the better the chance of survival. We strongly believe that AEDs should be available in every work and public place and urge workplaces to train their staff in the use of this vital equipment.’

Over the last decade, St John Ambulance has worked hard to make defibrillator equipment and training more widely available. The charity’s ambulances and training centres are equipped with AEDs, but, more importantly, volunteers and members of the public have successfully saved lives using defibrillators because the training and equipment are now more accessible.

Frequently asked questions about AEDs

What is an AED and how does one work?

An Automated external defibrillator (AED) can be used to attempt to reverse an abnormal heart rhythm. Using adhesive pads, the AED is attached to the person's chest using adhesive pads. It analyses the casualty's heart rhythm automatically and advises the operator on whether an electronic shock is required. If it is required then the shock is delivered by pressing a button on the AED.

Is it safe to use?

Can you give someone a shock that doesn’t need one?
It is very safe to use. The defibrillator is automated which means that it will only provide a shock if one is needed.

Do you need training?

Before using a defibrillator St John Ambulance advises that you are trained in its use and are able to carry out CPR which is the combination of chest compressions with rescue breathing. A St John Ambulance AED course can provide you with these skills; courses last only four hours, cost around £80 and are available locally to you.

How many AEDS does SJA have?

All of our ambulances and training centres are equipped with AEDs.

How many people did SJA deliver AED training to last year?

In addition to our volunteers we trained 6,500 people.

How many people have been saved using an AED?

According to research published by Cardiff University, a total of 132 people were saved between 1999 and 2005 because of the use of an AED at the scene where their hearts stopped beating.

How important is it for a person to receive early defibrillation?

Early defibrillation is an important element in the chain of survival; the earlier it is used after a cardiac arrest the greater the chance of the casualty surviving. For instance, if a patient in cardiac arrest is successfully defibrillated within 4 minutes, there is an 85% chance of them being alive a year later.  For every minute a defibrillation is delayed the chances of a successful outcome fall by 10%.

The most important factor influencing the longer-term survival of the casualty is the time from suffering cardiac arrest to delivery of the first shock.