What is an AED?
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is an emergency life-saving device for use in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. It is a portable device that analyses the heart rhythm and administers an electrical charge to the heart if needed (to establish a regular heartbeat in the event of a cardiac arrest).
Act fast
Only within the first few minutes following cardiac arrest will a victim be in a ‘shockable rhythm’; rapid defibrillation is therefore vital. Placing AEDs in the community can dramatically reduce the time from collapse to defibrillation and can greatly improve survival rates.
Easy to use
When switched on the AED will instruct the user to connect the pads to a patient’s bare chest. The pads enable the AED to examine the patient’s heart and determine if the patient is in a viable, shockable rhythm. If the device determines that a shock is required, it will charge in preparation to deliver a shock. The AED is very safe as it will only charge if it determines a shockable rhythm is present.
AEDs in Wantage
There are a number of AEDs located in Wantage.
Wantage Town Council is responsible for two of them:
- The Beacon (Mounted on wall outside)
- Phone box at the eastern end of the Market Place
The defibrillators are located in locked cabinets. You will be given the code to open the cabinets by the operator when you call 999.
To find locations of the other defibrillators, not owned by Wantage Town Council please download the SCAS App,
South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) have developed an app for iOs and Android devices and can be downloaded from these links.
