New Defibrillators available at Barry Town Council Venues

New Automated External Defibrillator (AED) situated at Cemetery Approach Community Centre and Pioneer Hall.

 

Barry Town Council is pleased to announce that there have been two new defibrillators fitted to the outside of Cemetery Approach Community Centre and Pioneer Hall (Beryl Road), which are now available for members of the public in need of help.

 

The installation was completed having sourced a grant scheme for Welsh Councils operated by Cymru Hearts (who have received National Lottery funding).  This means both venues operated for hire by Barry Town Council have defibrillators available for use in emergencies by the public. The defibrillator fitted has a “Dual Functionality” and is available for Children and Adults and uses a simple switch to change between functions.

 

Barry Town Council would like to thank AWB Electrical Services for installing the Defibrillators at a reduced cost

 

So what is an AED?

 

AEDs are used to revive someone from sudden cardiac arrest. This usually occurs when a disruption in the heart’s electrical activity causes a dangerously fast heartbeat (ventricular tachycardia) or a fast and irregular heartbeat (ventricular fibrillation). 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)

 

Anyone can use a defibrillator. They are simple and easy to use and you don’t need any training. There are clear instructions on how to attach the defibrillator pads. It then assesses the heart rhythm and will only instruct you to deliver a shock if it’s needed. You can’t deliver a shock accidentally.

 

To help someone who is in cardiac arrest effectively, a defibrillator needs to be found as quickly as possible. For every minute it takes for the defibrillator to reach someone and deliver a shock, their chances of survival reduce.

 

4 steps to take if someone is having 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:

  1. Call 999
  2. Start CPR
  3. 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)
  4. Turn on the defibrillator and follow its instructions.

 

Further information and a video on how to use a defibrillator can be found at the following links:

 

For further information please contact info@barrytowncouncil.gov.uk