When a person has a sudden cardiac arrest their heart ceases to function normally, either by stopping altogether or the normal rhythm becomes disrupted.
For every minute that someone’s in cardiac arrest without having a defibrillator used on them, their chance of survival decreases by 10%. That’s why it’s so important to act immediately.
A defibrillator helps to establish a regular heartbeat during a cardiac arrest by monitoring the person’s heartbeat and giving them an electric shock if necessary. A defibrillator is easy to use and doesn’t require training, but it could make the difference between life and death.
A defibrillator will not harm the person suffering a cardiac arrest and will only give them a shock if and when it is needed. There’s no reason to feel nervous about using a defibrillator – just follow its simple instructions, and know that using it could save someone’s life.
There are three AEDs in Balcombe:
Bramble Hall
Train Station
On the front of the ticket office (southbound platform) Balcombe train station map
Cricket Club
On the front of the cricket pavilion Balcombe cricket club map
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:
- Call 999
- Start CPR
- Ask someone to bring a defibrillator if there’s one nearby
- Turn on the defibrillator and follow its instructions
Balcombe Parish Council 