Defibrillator installed at Solihull Retail Park

We have some very important news. In early December, we are having a defibrillator installed at Solihull Retail park. The defibrillator will be located by the new B&M unit.

A defibrillator is a device that gives a high-energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest. This shock is called defibrillation, and it's an essential part of trying to save their life.

If you are in a situation where somebody is going into cardiac arrest, please call 999, begin CPR and ask someone else to collect the defibrillator from (insert location). Continue giving CPR and follow the simple instructions on how to use the device:

Step 1: Turn the defibrillator on by pressing the green button and follow its instructions.

Step 2: Peel off the sticky pads and attach them to the patient’s skin, one on each side of the chest, as shown in the picture on the defibrillator.

Step 3: Once the pads have been attached, stop CPR and don’t touch the patient. The defibrillator will then check the patient’s heart rhythm.

Step 4: The defibrillator will decide whether a shock is needed and if so, it will tell you to press the shock button. An automatic defibrillator will shock the patient without prompt. Don’t touch the patient while they are being shocked.

Step 5: The defibrillator will tell you when the shock has been delivered and whether you need to continue CPR.

Step 6: Continue with chest compressions until the patient shows signs of life or the defibrillator tells you to stop so it can analyse the heartbeat again.

Anyone can use a defibrillator as you don’t need training. Once turned on, it will give clear instructions on how to attach the defibrillator pads. The device checks the heart rhythm and will tell you to shock only if it’s needed. Don’t worry, you can't shock someone accidentally.

All information has been sourced from the British Heart Foundation’s website. For more, please visit https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/defibrillators.