As a football club we’re always looking at ways to support the community and help others. Working together with The Holbeck – Holbeck WMC and for the local community we have recently had this potentially life saving defibrillator installed on the outside of the club, so should it be needed, it’s there.
The code to the lock has been registered with the www.thecircuit.uk/defibrillators so the emergency services have access to the code.
Hopefully no one needs to use it, but it’s there should the club or anyone from the community need to use it.
Helping someone in cardiac arrest, whilst you wait for the ambulance to arrive, can save their life. Using a Public Access Defibrillator is very straightforward, they have audio instructions and will not let you cause harm to the patient. To access the defibrillator call 999 and they will tell you the access code to unlock the cabinet.
Saving someone’s life Q&A
What is a defibrillator?
A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest. This high energy shock is called defibrillation, and it’s an essential part in trying to save the life of someone who’s in cardiac arrest. A defibrillator may also be referred to as a defib, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) or a PAD (Public Access Defibrillator).
How do I know if someone is in cardiac arrest?
Someone having a cardiac arrest will either not be breathing or they won’t be breathing normally. They also won’t be conscious. Check for a response – gently shake the person’s shoulders and ask loudly ‘are you alright?’
What should I do if someone has a cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrests can happen to anyone, at any time. The following steps give someone the best chance of survival. If you come across someone in cardiac arrest:
- Call 999
- Start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
- Ask someone to bring a defibrillator if there’s one nearby (if no one is available to get one, listen to the emergency operator for further instructions)
- Turn on the defibrillator and follow its instructions
How do I get the defibrillator from the cabinet?
Ring 999, the operator will give you the code to the cabinet and stay on the line to help you use it.
Can I harm someone with a shock who doesn’t need it?
No. The machine will only give a shock once it has checked the heart needs one.
What is CPR? CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is administering manual chest compressions to pump blood around the body. Look out for local training sessions. Find out more at from the British Heart Foundation at www.bhf.org.uk
This post was written by Russ Mellor
While you’re here, can we ask a favour?
South Leeds Life is published by a not-for-profit social enterprise. We keep our costs as low as possible but we’ve been hit by increases in the print costs for our monthly newspaper which have doubled in the last two years.
Could you help support local community news by making a one off donation, or even better taking out a supporters subscription?
Donate here, or sign up for a subscription at bit.ly/SLLsubscribe
