Public Access Defibrillator Purbrook

Public Access Defibrillator at Deverell Hall Purbrook

This page was last updated on: 28 August 2023

Deverell Hall in Purbrook is pleased to announce that we have now installed and activated a public access Defibrillator (otherwise also known as PAD or CPAD). These defibrillators (AEDs) are for treatment of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), and it is now listed on the Circuit (who are connected directly to the emergency ambulance services).

The fully automatic defibrillator has been mounted on on the outside wall at the front of the building in a locked cabinet, which can then be accessed 24/7 by anyone in the vacinity who requires life-saving treatment. In the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, you would always call 999. The South East Ambulance Services will if necessary, direct you to the nearest accessible defibrillator. ONLY THEY CAN GIVE YOU THE ACCESS CODE REQUIRED for the locked cabinet, and you will be guided by the team who answer your 999 call.

A message from our Trustees

Paul Ludford
Trustee

In the case of Cardiac Arrest, time is critical. For this reason, The Deverell Hall has purchased a public-use Defibrillator (otherwise known as an AED) which is mounted in clear view at the front of its building on London Road, Purbrook. The AED is housed in a yellow cabinet which clearly defines its purpose. This cabinet is locked and therefore an access code is required in order to remove the AED and carry it to the patient.

In the event of an emergency where you suspect the patient is in cardiac arrest, you should, in the first instance, call for an ambulance by dialling 999. You will be asked for the location of the patient and an ambulance or First Responder will be dispatched. The code and location of The Deverell Hall, or nearest AED will be given, although if you are alone, you should NOT leave the patient but must commence CPR without delay.

This means applying heavy compressions with the heel of both hands on the patient’s chest twice per second. This should continue until there are definite signs of recovery, or a Paramedic or trained First Responder arrives to take over. If assistance is available during this time, he/she should access the nearest AED using the information previously given by the ambulance controller.

Use of the AED is straight forward and requires no previous experience or training. After pressing the green button to switch it on, users are assisted by a calm voice throughout, as well as visual instructions on the AED.

No harm can be done to the patient as the AED will not allow a shock to take place unless it is necessary. The Deverell Hall AED is automatic and will instigate the shock after warning everyone to stand back and not touch the patient. Some other AEDs are semi-automatic in which case they will tell the user when to press the shock button should it be required.

What happens if I need to use the defib?

The public access Defibrillator cannot be accessed without calling the emergency services first. If so directed, emergency responders will provide you with the access code for the cabinet. in the event of an emergency, ambulance services will know the precise location and the unlock code for the cabinet.

Saturday 7th October 2023 at 10AM to 11.30AM

On Saturday 7th October 2023 at 10AM to 11.30AM there will be a demonstration at Deverell Hall by two or three ex-first aid responders. Dennis Tickner and his team members have kindly donated their time to show us how to use a Defib AED Machine, and will also be showing us Basic Lifesaving Skills using Resusci Anne Models and two training defibs. We encourage regular hall users to participate and come along to this meeting. Dennis Tickner and his team, will be showing people how to use a Defib AED Machine and Basic Lifesaving Skills. They will be bringing to two Resusci Anne Models and two training defibs with them. The demonstration should take no longer than approximately one hour.

Please let Trace or Doug know if you can attend - it's a great thing to know how to potentially save a life!

What type of equipment have we installed?

We have purchased a CPAD and locakble cabinet supplied and sold by St John Ambulance, a trusted organisation which can be depended upon to supply the best and most appropriate equipment. Here are some of the keypoints about the equipment:

Defibtech Lifeline AED Fully Automatic Defibrillator with 7 Year Battery Pack;
Fully automatic defibrillator (AED) for treatment of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA);
For use by whoever is first on the scene of a cardiac arrest - passers-by or trained first aider;
Defibsafe 2 External Lockable Cabinet.

The Lifeline AED Fully Automatic Defibrillator with 7 Year Battery Pack can be used by those with no life saving experience when first on the scene of a cardiac arrest through to emergency professionals. The AED will deliver a shock automatically if the AED detects it is necessary. The unit gives simple voice instructions in a calm voice, guiding the rescuer through each step of the rescue while a text display with lights shows the progress.

How to use a Defib Video

This four minute video was made by St John Ambulance who are a volunteer powered, charitable organisation dedicated to the teaching of first aid. They support the NHS, provide medical support at public events and administer engaging youth programmes throughout England.

For further information about St John Ambulance follow the link below:

St John Ambulance

During the initial re-opening in 2021, the Government Guidance was for venues to run at 50% capacity. Although these rules have now changed, we have put the following policies in place for each part of the hall is as follows:

Covid-19 SECURE Policy in place - Main Hall Maximum 90 persons at any one event.
Covid-19 SECURE Policy in place - Upstairs Conference Room Maximum 25 persons at any one event.

Bearing in mind therefore the overall normal capacity of both areas would equal 150 persons, the hall should be able to function at a base level of 100 people per any one event in the building.

Yes groups can still use the kitchen and toilet facilities as normal. Each area has hand sanitisers, hand soaps, paper towels. We ask that groups do their best to maintain control of how many people are in one area at any given time.

The UK Government have announced that Face Masks are no longer mandatory. It is up to you as an individual if you would like to still wear a face covering.

The Test, Trace and Isolate system has been stopped for now. You do not have to check in, and all previous records have been destroyed.