Defibrillator Training

The defibrillator contains special computer software that can analyse the cardiac rhythm and deliver a shock ONLY if the heart requires it. Therefore it is not possible to administer defibrillation to a person with healthy, regular cardiac rhythm.

Survival rates of cardiac arrest victims are directly related to the time it takes to resuscitate and administer defibrillation. If a person receives Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and is defibrillated within 5 minutes of suffering from cardiac arrest, the survival rate is approximately 50%, and is even higher with younger patients. If the time taken to resuscitate is 10 minutes or more, the chances of survival are very small.

In order to increase the chances of survival from cardiac arrest, CPR should commence as quickly as possible and the target time for defibrillation should be less than 5 minutes.

Therefore training people in CPR and defibrillation, and making defibrillators available in easy to access, local locations is vital to the survival of cardiac arrest victims in Ireland. With 6,400 cardiac arrests happening in this country per year, the need for defibrillators and people trained in CPR becomes even more apparent.

The Irish Red Cross currently provide certified defibrillator training and a defibrillator, the Phillips Laerdal FRX. The Defibrillator and training costs €2,500 For more information please see Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below or alternatively contact Head Office on 01 642 4600 or email aed@redcross.ie

Frequently Asked Questions

A lifesaving Cardiac Defibrillator is easy to use and is available with training from the Irish Red Cross.Pictured above - The Philips Laerdal FRX Defibrillator.

How much will a defibrillator and training course cost?

€2,500 for a group of 8 people. This includes the cost of the defibrillator which means that training is being supplied at a very reduced rate. It also includes manuals and is fully certified.

I have a defibrillator, I only want training, how much will this cost?

€680. for eight people and can be arranged.

What does the course content Include?

The course content includes:

• The Defibrillator (AED) and its maintenance.
• Adult, child and infant CPR and choking.
• Using a Defibrillator (AED) on an adult.
• Signs of heart attack, stroke, cardiac arrest and foreign body obstruction.
• Administering Asprin to a patient with cardiac chest pain.
• Legal aspects of being a first responder on a scene.
• Covers the well being of the first responder including post traumatic stress.

Certification is joint PHECC and Irish Red Cross

All participants receive:

• 1 manual approved by the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC)
• 1 Pocket Mask

How long will it last?

Training takes a full day. The certificate is valid for two years.

Where is it on?/ Is there a course near me?

Courses can be arranged close to where you live or work and may even be arranged in your company, club or school.

Defibrillators are electrical – are they dangerous?

No. They are semi-automatic. They are dust proof, waterproof and they can’t shock you. Obviously in training you are taught how to use a defibrillator safely for both you and your casualty but defibrillators are “smart” machines that read the heart rhythms and will only shock if that reading shows that the person needs to be shocked.

We’ve already got a defibrillator in our company/club/town, but nobody knows how to use it. What can you do for us?

We can arrange training for you. Please tell us how many people you have who are willing to undertake training and details about your machine..

How long does the defibrillator last?

It should last for many years and our warranty covers it for five years. The battery is a lithium battery and should last for up to five years. The pads last for two years and our Irish Red Cross package includes a spare set of pads.

Can it be locked outside?

Yes. We can provide a secure box which is stainless steel, weatherproof and is locked so generally-speaking our machines can be left in a public place where they are accessible to all members of your community, company or club group. The box comes with a sign that indicates it’s the community defibrillator, ie a cream heart with a green electric shock logo. The cost depends on the type of box required.

Am I insured to use it?

You can organise your own insurance through an agent or if you join a Irish Red Cross group upon completion of your training you are covered as a member of the Red Cross. Irish Red Cross membership fees cost €10 per year or €100 for life. If you choose not to join the Irish Red Cross, you should arrange your own insurance. The defibrillator is not insured but property insurance can be arranged.