How to quickly find an AED in an emergency to save a life
In the event of a cardiac arrest, time is of the essence. Every minute without treatment decreases the chances of survival by 10%. A defibrillator, also known as an automated external defibrillator (AED), is a crucial tool for saving a life during a cardiac arrest.
It's important to note that defibrillators are not just found in hospitals or ambulances. Many public spaces such as shopping centres, airports, and sporting venues have defibrillators that are accessible to the public. These defibrillators are usually stored in cabinets that can be opened with a code or key. Fortunately, with the advent of technology, it has become easier to locate a defibrillator in an emergency. Here, we will discuss how to find a defib close by:
The GoodSAM App
The easiest way to find a defib close by is to use an app. GoodSAM is one such app that has gained popularity in Australia. GoodSAM is a community-based platform that enables users to take a picture of a defibrillator and upload its location to a map. The app has a feature that allows users to locate the nearest defibrillator in their vicinity.
To use the app, you first need to download it from the app store and register as a user. Once registered, the app will ask for permission to access your location. Once permission is granted, the app will display a map that shows the location of defibrillators near you. The map displays the location of defibrillators near your current location, making it easy to locate the nearest one in an emergency.
Visit the St John Ambulance website
Another way to find a defibrillator close by is to use the St John Ambulance website. St John Ambulance is a well-known provider of first aid training and services in Australia. Their website has a feature that allows users to search for the location of defibrillators. The website will display a map that shows the location of defibrillators across Australia. The map can be filtered by state and suburb to make it easier to find a defib close by.
Look out for defibrillator signs
Aside from using apps and websites, it's important to note that defibrillators are often stored in public spaces that are easily accessible. Look out for signs that indicate the location of a defibrillator in public places such as train stations and airports. Don't be afraid to ask staff for assistance in locating a nearby defibrillator
When faced with the task of finding a defibrillator, it’s important to stay calm and prioritise the task in hand. Having an app such as GoodSAM already downloaded on your mobile will give you the best possible chance of finding a defib as soon as possible. Remember, every second counts during a cardiac arrest, and having access to a defibrillator can make all the difference in saving a life.