Defibrillator

What is this page for?

This page is an introduction to the Kettleburgh Community Defibrillator.

Where is Kettleburgh's Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?

The Parish Council has installed an AED in a bright yellow cabinet on the right hand side of the entrance to the Village Hall, where it can be seen from The Street. It is registered with the ambulance service and they will inform anyone in need of it where it is and how to access it. There are also signs in various places around the village indicating the location.

The Council gratefully acknowledges the support of then SCC Cllr Robin Vickery who funded the project from his locality budget.

The Parish Council is currently (September 2024) in the process of procuring a replacement cabinet and defibrillator.  Have a look at its meeting minutes for more detail.

What is an AED?

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a very safe and easy to use portable electronic device, designed to be used by a layperson. It automatically reads the heart rhythm of someone who may have suffered a cardiac arrest and identifies whether an electrical shock is required to restore a normal heart rhythm. If it is required, an AED will safely deliver a controlled electrical shock to the heart.

Surely the AED is 'medical' and hard to use?

AEDs are actually simple and safe. The machine gives clear spoken instructions. Our unit is portable and can be taken to the person in need. Once in position, the defibrillator detects the heart's rhythm. It won't deliver a shock unless one is needed. They are designed to be stored for long periods without use and require very little routine maintenance.

Where can I find more detail?

Much information is provided by the Community Heartbeat Trust and ipad-aed.com.  (The previously available training film seems to have been removed from the ipad site.)