Take the confusion away about owning a defibrillator.
Why do we need a defibrillator?
Over 30,000 Australians suffer from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) every year. Without defibrillators or CPR, less than 5% survive. Every minute that passes without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by 10%. The public perception is that all medical practices
have the necessary equipment needed for emergencies, a small investment will cover you in such circumstances to possibly save a life.
What is a defibrillator & what does it do?
A defibrillator is a lithium battery powered medical device and is used when a patient is suffering a Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Once turned on by either pressing the on button or is some devices, lifting the lid, the defibrillator will instruct you on what to do. Once the electrode pads are placed on the patient’s chest the device will analyse the heart rhythm to determine if an electrical shock is required. If a shock is required, the defibrillator will deliver the shock automatically or instruct you to press the shock button on Semi Automatic devices. The defibrillator delivers a biphasic shock of energy to the heart muscle to correct the abnormal rhythm back to a normal sinus rhythm.
Can a defibrillator kill someone?
No, a defibrillator will only deliver a shock if there is the detection of an abnormal heart rhythm. If nothing is done, the patient is not likely to survive.
What legal implications of using a defibrillator on a patient?
The risk of being sued for providing first aid or defibrillation is very low. There are no reported cases, of anyone being sued for this in Australia.
You are covered under the Wrongs act 1958, legal protections from civil liability apply if the patient is injured or appears to be a risk of injury or death and you are acting with honest intent and do not expect any financial reward for aiding. These laws seek to reassure people that if they help in an emergency, they will not be liable for their honest attempts to help, regardless of the outcome.
What are the legal implications when owning a defibrillator?
Like any medical device, you need to make sure that it is in working order with adequate
battery life and usable pads. The defibrillator comes with an OHS tag to be filled in monthly when you do your due diligence in the practice on your safety equipment. Most defibrillators have a battery indicator to let you know that it has sufficient battery life.
How long do the batteries and pads last for?
The lithium battery and electrodes last for 4 years and only need replacing after use or when they expire. We will remind you via email when they are due.
How long is the warranty on a defibrillator?
The HeartSine and LifePak defibrillators have an 8-year warranty on all their defibrillators.
Do I need to get the defibrillator serviced?
No, HeartSine and LifePak defibrillators perform comprehensive self-testing of the critical
components, it will sound an alarm if it detects an error. In the unlikely event of this, a call to us will remedy any issues.
Where can I buy a defibrillator?
Call 1300 33 11 93 to speak with our team at Defibrillators Australia, we are here to be of service.
1300 331 193
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