How Do I Find My Nearest Defibrillator?

When someone around you experiences cardiac arrest, every second counts. 

Being able to quickly find your nearest defibrillator can make a critical difference while you’re waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

While defibrillators are becoming more common in public places, many people still struggle to find one or know what to do in an emergency.

In this guide, we’ll explain what to do in a cardiac emergency and how to find your nearest defibrillator quickly.

Why Quick Access to a Defibrillator Matters

Once someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, meaning their heart unexpectedly stops beating effectively, their chance of survival drops by around 10% for every minute without defibrillation.

Defibrillators help restore a normal heartbeat by analysing the heart’s rhythm and, if needed, delivering a controlled electric shock. When used alongside CPR within the first few minutes, they can significantly increase survival rates.

Quick access to a defibrillator is essential in an emergency, as the chance of survival drops by around 10% for every minute without defibrillation.

Nowadays, defibrillators can be safely used by the public, as they’re intelligent and easy to use, providing clear voice and visual instructions and delivering a shock only when needed.

If your workplace, community, or venue doesn’t currently have a defibrillator, installing one could make a life-saving difference. At Defib World, we offer a wide range of defibrillators tailored to specific locations. Order online today.

What to Do in a Cardiac Emergency

If someone collapses and is unconscious, follow these steps:

• Call 999 immediately
• Begin CPR as instructed by the 999 call handler
• Send someone to find the nearest defibrillator

The emergency call handler will guide you until an ambulance arrives.

How to Find Your Nearest Defibrillator: 4 Key Ways

It can feel incredibly overwhelming to find your nearest defibrillator in an emergency. 

Here are 4 ways to learn in advance to help you act confidently:

1. Call 999 & Follow Their Guidance

Since the first step in an emergency is to call 999 anyway, you’re already on your way to finding the nearest defibrillator. 999 call handlers have access to The Circuit, the UK’s national defibrillator network.

This enables them to identify your nearest registered defibrillator and guide you to it. Some defibrillators are in locked cabinets, and they can provide codes for them, too.

2. Use Online Defibrillator Finder Tools

There are online defibrillator finder tools that allow you to search for registered Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) close to your home, workplace, or public venues.

Have a quick look at where your nearest defibrillator is whilst reading this guide, so you’re familiar with its location before an emergency occurs. It’s also a good idea to look up the nearest defibrillator at places you visit often, so you’re prepared for an emergency there.

Examples of online defibrillator tools include:

• Defibfinder
• HeartSafe
• GoodSAM

Knowing exactly where the closest defibrillator is in places you visit regularly can save valuable time in a critical situation.

3. Check Common Public Locations

Defibrillators are typically placed in visible, accessible areas with high footfall. 

Defibrillators are commonly placed in public places such as gyms, schools, shopping centres, train stations and places of worship.