So what's it like being a defibrillator Guardian? Bob Bennet of Whitby Defibrillator Project tells all...
Each of the 40 defibrillators maintained through the Whitby Defibrillator Project has a Guardian.
A defibrillator Guardian is a volunteer who commits to the regular checking of one or more defibrillators. The aim being to keeping them all in good working order.
The checking of a defibrillator is a quick job and so does not take up too much time.
All our defibrillators are registered to The Circuit App which enables Guardians to update the status and availability of the defibrillator assigned to their care.
In a routine check we are:
- inspecting the cabinet, a quick assessment to ensure it is not damaged in any way.
- making sure that the lock opens easily and does not become stiff or is damaged.
- checking the contents of the First Aid kit which is inside every cabinet. It is essential that there are scissors and a Bic-style (safety) razor and scissors, to quickly remove clothing and expose the chest. The razor is to remove hair from the chest as the pads do not work effectively on a hairy chest. There are also gloves, cleaning swabs and a breathing mask inside the first aid kit.
- checking the defibrillator itself. Hung up at the back of the cabinet is the defibrillator. This is an automatic device that instructs the user in exactly how to go about its use. We check to make sure that the light is flashing approx. every 20 seconds; I also like to check that the back of the unit is properly aligned as this holds the battery/pad set in place.
Shutting the door of the cabinet completes the checks; it is important to know that the door locks tightly. Over the darker nights we can check to see if the light comes on as we approach. It’s also important to know that each defibrillator is connected electrically.
When we have cold weather a low power heating element kicks in, thus keeping the battery at an optimum temperature, preserving its shelf life.
Back to the Circuit App...
This is sponsored by the British Heart Foundation and is linked to the Ambulance Service. Every defibrillator is registered with its location, its ID notification and battery expiration date. When a casualty is found to be in need of care, a member of the public, friend or family member will dial 999, asking for the ambulance service. The ambulance service has information on all our 40 defibrillators and will guide the caller to the nearest unit. what3words is used to assist with this.
The ambulance controller will give the caller the code to open the lock, reassuring and guiding them through the process. It is important that the caller brings along both the defibrillator and the first aid kit. At that point the defibrillator is removed from service via the Circuit App by the ambulance controller.
In the majority of cases, the bringing along of a defibrillator is purely precautionary, and so the defibrillator is returned to the box unused. Once it is determined by the ambulance service that it is not required, the Circuit App then informs that particular Guardian that their defibrillator may have been used. This is when we pop out to check the equipment, if all is well, we use the Circuit App to put the equipment back into service. If, however, it has been activated in an emergency, the used battery and pads will need to be removed and replaced with new and the defibrillator checked over to ensure everything is in good working order.
The Whitby Defibrillator Project’s mission is for this to be done within the first 24 hours and is done as a matter of urgency.
This shows the level of commitment that the Whitby Defibrillator Project have for this equipment. The units are of great value to the town and we aim to keep them all available 24/7, until superseded by a better system. Perhaps our cars, watches or phones will eventually be able to provide each of us with our very own personal defibrillator? Stranger things have and will happen!
If you are interested in becoming a defibrillator Guardian, please contact Bob Bennett, Chair of Whitby Defibrillator Project, on wdpwhitby@gmail.com
