An Irish first aid supplier is calling on farm groups and rural communities to avail of free online demos on the use of life-saving defibrillators.
First Aid Supplies ® is organising a series of free online demonstrations for farmers and representative groups as well as wider rural communities to help people become familiar with the BeneHeart defibrillator.
Latest figures show that 5,000 people die each year from sudden cardiac arrest in Ireland, an average of 14 per day. For every minute that passes after a cardiac arrest, the chances of recovery are reduced by a staggering 7% to 10%.
Having early access to CPR and an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) are critical steps in the cardiac chain of survival. That is according to the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), the regulator for emergency medical services in Ireland.
Managing director, Gerry Breen says the response to their online demonstrations of the BeneHeart’ defibrillator has been very encouraging.
“Serious cardiac events normally happen without warning and rapid response is critical; people literally have minutes and that is why defibrillators are important.”
“Communities, especially rurally based ones, were doing a lot of work training local first responders in the use of defibrillators but the outbreak of COVID-19, put the brakes on this.”
“However serious cardiac arrests continue and may even be exacerbated by the stress associated with the pandemic. So, we are organising a series of online demonstrations for the farming community to teach people how to use the BeneHeart defibrillator.”
“We have a team of trainers located around the country who can demonstrate how BeneHeart works. A lot of people are unsure as to how to use defibrillators. They see them on walls outside premises and are almost intimidated to use them.”
‘Powerful piece of equipment’
“We are committed to making people feel both competent and comfortable around them. BeneHeart is truly revolutionary in that it is the fastest, smartest, and easiest to use model on the market in Ireland.”
Its instructions are available if requested, in two languages, English and Polish. It has voice commands that give more guidance to less experienced rescuers and continuous encouragement during the CPR process.
“It is a powerful piece of equipment with escalating levels of shock, different levels for adults and children. Instructive visuals on the ‘with screen’ model match selected adult or child patients. With overweight patients, it automatically gives a stronger shock.”
Book places
The online demos will be delivered over the course of the next few weeks. Interested parties are advised to book their place – Freephone 1800 347782.
“The information people will learn may literally be a lifeline for others.”
How to use a defib (or AED)
- A defib can be used by anyone, even people who have never used one before. If someone has collapsed and is unresponsive, check for breathing by looking, listening, and feeling.
- If the person is not breathing call 999/112 immediately and send someone for the nearest defib while you begin CPR. That is the only chance of survival for someone in cardiac arrest.
- Once switched on the defib will guide you through what to do, including placing pads on the patient’s chest.
- You cannot deliver a shock to someone who does not need one – the defib will analyse the patient and will tell you if a shock is required so there is no need to be fearful.
- Continue CPR as required.
