Community defibs - what do I do with it now? - **This is now resolved** Title edited by MNHQ

[QuestionableMouse]

It wasn't needed and I have no idea what to do with it now - am I meant to take it back? The ambulance didn't take it and I don't really want it locked in my house overnight just in case it's needed.

Thank you!

Does it have a telephone number on the defib itself or where it is housed?

It has a tag but most of the number has rubbed off so I can't read it. I'm going to take it back and hope for the best.

Thank you

If you don’t know where it came from then your local councillor should know.

I've just taken it back. 999 asked me to get it but it wasn't needed.

If anyone needs to know, the code opens the door even when the cabinet is empty and you can put it straight back in.

@QuestionableMouse

I've just taken it back. 999 asked me to get it but it wasn't needed.

If anyone needs to know, the code opens the door even when the cabinet is empty and you can put it straight back in.

Sounds like you had a scary moment -- glad it wasn't needed, and I hope all is well!

The ambulance service will alert the people who look after the defib, and they'll be asking shortly to check if it needs restocking

There shouod be someone in your local community who takes responsibility for ensuring the defib is operational (I believe they do a quick check once a month).

If you have a local town Facebook page perhaps put out a note on there to see if anyone knows who the right person is and let them know it could do with a quick check.

I believe the ambulance service may do this anyway but best to be on the safe side.

It sounds like you've been through something last night though, regardless of whether this was someone close to you or not you may need to speak to someone if you're in shock or trauma-take care.

The paramedics said they had nothing to do with the community defibs.

Thank you for the concern - the last two months of my life have been awful and unfortunately last night was just a continuation of that. ☹️☹️☹️

@DuckWithOneWing

The ambulance service will alert the people who look after the defib, and they'll be asking shortly to check if it needs restocking

Not necessarily - depends if they have the details, know it was there etc. Our ambulance trust wouldn’t.

Was it 999 who gave you the code for opening the cabinet or did you have to phone somewhere else?
Would be handy to know how the access arrangements generally work before hand should anyone ever be in the unfortunate position to need to run and get one.

You need to find out who to contact locally. Facebook? Local council?

If not used for a couple of years it will need replacing anyway (or all least have battery changed). Could save someone's life.

@user1471447863

Was it 999 who gave you the code for opening the cabinet or did you have to phone somewhere else? Would be handy to know how the access arrangements generally work before hand should anyone ever be in the unfortunate position to need to run and get one.

If you have dialled 999 and the call taker thinks you need a defib they will check there is someone to stay with the patient and do chest compressions, while a second person goes for the defib. The will tell you where the defib is and if there is a code for the defib they will give you that too. You take the defib back to the patient and just carry on following instructions.

We always tell new defib buyers to make sure they have a phone number attached to them so it can be delivered back to the right place. Ambulance services dont always know who it belongs to or have contact info for them.

@GreenFingersWouldBeHandy

You need to find out who to contact locally. Facebook? Local council?

If not used for a couple of years it will need replacing anyway (or all least have battery changed). Could save someone's life.

It will definitely need replacement pads if they’ve been used. The batteries are really robust and last a long time (as long as they’re not exposed to too much cold) and the units themselves are pretty indestructible - we have ones working that are well over 10 years old.

@user1471447863

Was it 999 who gave you the code for opening the cabinet or did you have to phone somewhere else? Would be handy to know how the access arrangements generally work before hand should anyone ever be in the unfortunate position to need to run and get one.

999 gave me the code. It opened the cabinet and I was able to take the bag out. It was in a box on the wall of the community centre in my village. Very easy process but thankfully it wasn't needed. The same code opened it so I could put it back.