Defibrillator Awareness

Defibrillators Save Lives
'If you have a PULSE....give someone else a PULSE!'

Every second counts when someone collapses. At the St Agnes Parishwide Defibrillator Network, we are on a mission to replace fear with confidence. Many people hesitate to use a defibrillator because they’re afraid of doing something wrong—but the reality is that modern technology has made saving a life simpler than ever.

You Don’t Need Training to Be a Hero

Modern Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) are designed for everyone. You don’t need a medical degree or formal first-aid training to use one effectively.

Safety First: A defibrillator is “smart.” It will only deliver a shock if the patient’s heart specifically requires it. You cannot accidentally harm someone by using one.
Voice-Guided Help: The device provides clear, step-by-step verbal instructions, guiding your hands and timing throughout the process.
Total Support: When you call 999, the operator stays on the line, locates the nearest device, gives you the access code, and talks you through every action until paramedics arrive.

Why Taking Action Matters

The biggest risk to a casualty isn’t the defibrillator—it’s a bystander doing nothing. Without intervention, the chances of survival drop significantly with every passing minute.

Every 1 minute delay in providing support leads to a 10% reduction in survival chances. 10 minutes can mean the difference between life or death.

The Bottom Line: You cannot make the situation worse. By following the device’s instructions, you give that person their best possible chance at life.

If you have a pulse… give someone else a pulse!

To support the long-term sustainability of the network, we need your help in building funds to maintain equipment—whether owned by our charity or by independent organisations and businesses.

If you would like to donate, fundraise, or consider leaving a legacy, please contact us at: info@stagnesdefibnetwork.org

a defibrillator

The Defibrillator

There are hundreds of defibrillators made by different manufactures and used in different ways.

AEDs (The Public Hero): Automated External Defibrillators. Found in cabinets at gyms and shops. Anyone can use these—they talk you through every step.
Manual Defibrillators: High-spec versions used by Paramedics and Doctors in hospitals.
ICDs (The Internal Guard): Tiny devices surgically implanted to monitor a patient's heart 24/7.

Key Takeaway: If you see one in public, it’s an AED. It’s built for you, it’s fool proof, and it’s ready to save a life.

video: what is a defibrillator?

how to use a defibrillator

Using a Defibrillator

St John Ambulance have created a very simple video explaining how to use a defibrillator. Take a look.

video: how to use a defibrillator

using a mindray defibrillator

Using a 'Mindray' defibrillator

The majority of the defibrillators we have in our network are made by 'Mindray' although there are some other models in the network. The picture to the right shows you what a 'Mindray' looks like, so you are familiar.
All of the defibrillators do the same thing regardless of the manufacturer.

Video: a 'mindray' defibrillator demonstration