Help save a fellow Londoner’s life

I have done several first aid courses in the past (for work) and also did a short course on how to use a defib machine (also for work) so I would definitely have a go if there was an incident and a machine was nearby.  I definitely think all schoolchildren should do a basic, full day, first aid course which should include the use of an automated defib machine, before they leave school.

I live in a bungalow adjacent to a playing field. This field is used legally every day by dog walkers (many of them senior citizens), by joggers and by individuals exercising. They are also used illegally by rat-running motor cyclists and cycle riders and also, though less frequently, by children and youths racing motorcycles.    At weekends the football pitches are rented for use for 10 or more football matches (with players aged 5/6 upwards to mature adult).   The already vandalized changing facilities building, was virtually destroyed last year by the gales, and is now being demolished. 

Two questions.  I am happy to have a defribrillator on an outside wall, prominently advertised and readily accessible to any in need.  (1) Who would be responsible for maintenance (or who would be responsible for ensuring maintenance was of acceptable standard)?  (2)  In an area with a reputation for mindless (perhaps drug-fuelled) vandalism, would I have any responsibility in the event of damage to the defribrillator, theft of the defribrillator, or injury or harm to anyone using the defribrillator?  

I'd also be prepared to consider having Bleed Kit cabinet - though I am concerned that having Defribillators and Bleed Kit cabinets may attract unwelcome attention!

Most commercial and public buildings have ( or should have) first aid equipment  and nominated First Aiders on the premises, so maybe defibrillators should be a normal part of the first aid provision with nominated First Aiders all trained to use  them.   Volunteers  and staff who work directly with the public should also be offered the training.  As a volunteer I have been required  to identify where the nearest defibrillator can be found, but would be  unable to use it without training.

What about having defibrillators on public transport such as on tubes and on buses. I was put in a situation last week where I had to call an ambulance because a bus driver jammed on the brakes which caused a woman to hit her head and chest on a railing. That caused her to bleed and lapse in and out of consciousness. Luckily the ambulance came just in time. 

It beggars belief that children aren't taught basic life saving skills at school, when it's  a known fact that the highest percentage of deaths from heart attacks/accidents outside the home happen because the first person on the scene did not know what to do, or did the wrong thing! Our local libraries /community centres could hold regular sessions for adults.  I feel certain many would attend.  It may also help some of the youth today to value life, rather than take it! We need more "togetherness " and defibrillator training could be another factor that might help.  Most people would feel too nervous to use 

Having portable defibrillators is a great idea in principle. A big issue though, is where to locate them. In sports clubs  or GP /Pharmacies seems fine: however, I've seen vandalised cabinets at railway/tube stations and some tucked away in sub a post-office/shop where the public don't know they exist.  Also what is the likelihood that one will be close enough to the incident and someone will know how to use it (and know wher eto find it).  In my view there needs to be proper strategic plan of how it will all work, and actually save someone, before spending another fortune with, well meant, resulting failure . You only need to see the millions spent on vastly under-used cycle lanes--  while impoverished children and families are going hungry

In view of the current number of stabbings being reported in London, perhaps it would be useful to include with the defibrillators, a number of wound dressings in the case especially those specifically designed to seal a knife wound. I'm told they take up little space and could save a life.

I would not feel confident to use a defibrillator machine at the right moment  because I’m not sure if I could identfy that  someone’s heart had stopped. I know about checking the ANC in first aid but locating a pulse if it is feint can be difficult- what if I get it wrong? Could I do harm? 

I have seen defibrillator  on my local station - Carshalton . I would like to see them in parks and recreational places. My cousin died on the golf course at 60 from a heart attack. He was a new grandad - first grandchild - so sad. 

I would be keen to learn to use a defibrillator machine- I was only thinking when I saw one that I might do the wrong thing if trying to use one. A radio and TV campaign to encourage use and highlight the positive difference using a defibrillator could raise awareness although this could be costly to make and air? Would they do for free to save lives? 

I have never seen a defibrillator in London in good working order. Either they have been vandalised, or parts are missing, usually the instruction manual. 

It seems rather foolish to offer an instruction manual with a defibrillator. Time of use is not the time to learn how they work. By the time someone figures it out it is unlikely to be in sufficient time to save a life. 

Perhaps the focus should be on supporting people to live healthy lives. 

I think that people are afraid that if they don’t use a defibrillator correctly or don’t do CPR correctly they could get sued. 

Some sort of public information tv/poster campaign might be useful to instruct people on CPR/AED use. 
Most MOPs aren’t aware that a majority of the public use AEDs will guide you through their use with voice/text commands. 
Unfortunately a majority of people aren’t familiar with first aid, should this be taught in secondary school/college?

Great idea to have these devices at transport locations. 

I have done a first aid course and know what a defibrillator looks like. However I would not feel confident about using one because I would worry about using it correctly. 

Had basic first aid traiing 2 years ago and we learned CPR.  Would be interested in doing further traing and leanring how to use a defibrillator.  Thanks.

I think it’s a great idea but although I watch all the medical tv programmes I wouldn’t know how to use a defibrillator- I’m 73 and fit but don’t go on the tube much.  So, much as I’d like to be trained, there are probably limited resources and you should pick people who travel regularly! 

i'd be very interested in doing a course on CPR and how to use a defibrillator. CPR i'm thinking I would find a little more challenging from a confidence point of view but given the right support I would be very happy to learn and be trained in applying both correctly.