Defibrillator

Do you have to be trained to use a Defibrillator?

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No – the defibrillator will guide you through what to do with simple voice instructions and visual prompts. However, we would encourage everyone to take defibrillator training to ensure they are familiar with the device and ready to act confidently in an emergency.

Anyone can safely use a defibrillator. Do not wait for the emergency services to arrive to start treating the casualty.

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Are Defibrillators easy to use?

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Yes - All makes of defibrillator will provide voice instructions or visual prompts instructing you what to do, from performing CPR to attaching the pads.

All defibrillators check the heart rhythm of the person to determine if a shock needs to be administered. If it is an automatic defibrillator, a shock will be delivered automatically. If it is a semi-automatic defibrillator, the voice instructions will prompt you to push a button to deliver a shock.

Any defibrillator can be used by anyone with no training. However, taking defibrillator training will increase your confidence to be ready to act in an emergency.

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Do I still need to do CPR if I use a Defibrillator?

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Yes, you should start CPR as soon as possible.

It is best to learn CPR in advance, so you know exactly what to do.

Bystander CPR and use of an automated external defibrillator (DEA) can increase the chances of survival by two to four-fold from sudden cardiac arrest.

The defibrillator will indicate when to start and stop CPR, and guide you through how to do CPR.

IMPORTANT: A PERSON HAS TO BE CLEAR OF THE CASUALTY WHEN THE SHOCK IS BEING ADMINISTERED, OTHERWISE IT COULD HAVE A SERIOUS OUTCOME.

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Can I hurt someone by using a Defibrillator?

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No. If a person is not in cardiac arrest the device will not administer a shock, even if you press the button, as it has detected a heartbeat.

By using a defibrillator, you increase their chances of survival.

Legislation on cardioprotection in Spain is governed by specific regulations in each autonomous community regarding the installation of defibrillators.

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Despite the absence of national legislation on the cardioprotection of spaces and the installation of automatic and semiautomatic external defibrillators in non-hospital settings and their use by non-health personnel, the Ministry of Health and Consumption by Royal Decree 365/2009,  of March 20 , published in the BOE no. 80 of Thursday, April 2, 2009, establishes the minimum conditions and requirements for safety and quality in the use of external automatic and semiautomatic defibrillators outside of the health field. This decree establishes the minimum conditions to guarantee the safety and quality of the use of defibrillators, each one establishing different requirements regarding installation, training and maintenance.

In addition, according to Royal Decree 365/2009, the health authorities of each autonomous community will establish the standards, recommendations and legislation that they deem appropriate for the regulation of cardioprotected spaces, independently.

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Legislation on the use of external defibrillators and cardioprotected spaces is listed by Autonomous Communities. Here is the document for our Autonomous Community, Click below.

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