An automated external defibrillator is a life-saving device that can save help the life of someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest. All AEDs come with deliberator pads that can be placed on a casualty's chest to diagnose the rhyme of their heart.

If the person's heart has stopped beating normally, this can lead to ventricular fibrillation, where the heart muscles quiver instead of contracting in a coordinated way. The AED is able to detect treatable ventricular fibrillation, and will then deliver a shock which allows the body's natural pacemaker to re-establish a proper rhythm.

Defibrillator machines can be either semi-automatic or fully automatic. Semi-automatic AEDs have a button that is used to trigger a shock if required. Fully automatic AEDs automatically deliver the shock if required following diagnosis.

Defibrillators are fully portable and easy to use. Most modern-day AEDs have step-by-step audio and visual instructions on how to use them.

According to guidance from the Resuscitation Council UK, all clinical areas should have immediate access to an AED. This is supported by the Standards and Guidance of the General Dental Council (GDC).

The definition of clinical areas includes not only operating rooms, but also rooms in which patients are seen by a hygienist or therapist.

According to St John Ambulance, every year approximately 55 out of every 100,000 people experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, with most occurring in the home or workplace.

In 7 out of 10 cases, CPR is attempted by a bystander. In less than 1 out of 10 cases, an AED is reported as being used.

Time is a major factor in saving a patient’s life. If a defibrillator is used within the first minute of a cardiac arrest, the survival rate can be as high as 90% (source: Risk Assessment Products). If it is used within the first 3-5 minutes, the survival rate is 74%. Overall, fewer than 10% of people survive a sudden cardiac arrest, so defibrillators can make a huge difference (source: British Heart Foundation).

It’s important to recognise the symptoms of a heart attack. Symptoms can vary from person to person. The British Heart Foundation suggest you look for the following:

• Sudden pain or discomfort in the chest that doesn’t go away
• Pain that spreads to your left or right arm, neck jaw, back or stomach. For some people the pain or tightness is severe, while for others it’s uncomfortable. It may feel like heaviness, or a burning pain similar to indigestion
• Feeling sick, sweaty, light-headed or short of breath

• Call 999
• Get the patient to sit and stay calm
• If the patient is not allergic to aspirin, give 300mg aspirin
• Use the defibrillator and administer CPR if you are trained and confident to do so

Please see the BHF website for further information.

Defibrillators are easy to operate and can be used by anybody. Almost all machines now come with voice instructions and visual guides to take you through each step of the rescue.

Staff should be trained to ensure they are familiar with the device and therefore can act quickly in emergencies. They should also learn how to perform CPR. The Resuscitation Council UK recommends that: "Staff should undergo regular training in the management of medical emergencies to a level appropriate to their expected clinical responsibilities."

There are first aid courses aimed specifically at dental professionals that cover AEDs and CPR, such as this fully online course from ProTrainings. You should always use a regulated training provider who follows the latest UK resuscitation guidelines. These guidelines can change, so it’s important that training is kept up to date

Most defibrillators can be used on children over the age of 1. However, for children aged 1-8 or weighing under 25kg, the Resuscitation Council UK recommends that paediatric AED pads should ideally be used to reduce the shock.

AEDs are not recommended for children under the age of 1, however can be considered with the use of paediatric pads should only a defibrillator be available.