A partnership between BCP Council and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust has seen two new defibrillators come to Hengistbury Head.
One is located at the Hiker Cafe near the Head; the other is next to the Beach Shop on Mudeford Quay.
These are Automated External Defibrillators which offer a walk-through from the machine.
You can also access specialised advice from 999 call handlers.
How do I use one?
These steps from the British Heart Foundation describe the process:
- Turn it on using the green button and follow on-device instructions.
- Attach sticky pads to the patient’s skin, one either side of their chest.
- Stop CPR after the sticky pads have been attached; this allows the defibrillator to analyse their heart rhythm.
- It will assess if the patient needs a shock. If it is not an automatic one it will prompt you if necessary, if automatic let it do its thing. DO NOT TOUCH THE PATIENT AT THIS POINT.
- You will be told when the shock has been delivered and told whether or not to resume CPR.
- If instructed continue with CPR until the patient shows signs of life or until the defibrillator tells you to stop so it can analyse their heart rhythms again.
To find a defibrillator near you check the national map.