Defibrillators in Highworth
Highworth is proud to host a growing network of publicly accessible defibrillators (AEDs), strategically placed throughout the town to provide rapid assistance in the event of a cardiac emergency. Most of these life-saving devices are available 24/7 and are easy to use, with clear instructions provided on-site.
What is a defibrillator?
A defibrillator is a device that gives a jolt of energy to the heart. It helps get the heart beating again when someone is in cardiac arrest and their heart has stopped. You might also hear it being called a defib, a PAD (public access defibrillator) or an AED (automated external defibrillator).
Find your nearest defibrillator
CPR and defibrillators: how to save a life
If someone is in cardiac arrest, call 999 and start CPR. When you call 999, the operator can tell you if there’s a public access defibrillator nearby. If you’re on your own, do not interrupt CPR to go and find a defibrillator. If it’s possible, send someone else to find one.
Anyone can use a defibrillator. You do not need training. Once you turn it on, it will give clear step-by-step voice instructions.
Many defibrillators also have visual prompts and images showing how to use it.
The device checks the person’s heart rhythm and will only tell you to give them a shock if it’s needed. You cannot shock yourself or someone else accidentally.
Cardiac arrests can happen to anyone. Various organisation including the British Heart Foundation have resources to learn how to do lifesaving CPR and how to use a defibrillator in an emergency, many of these are free of charge.
