A new law which would require AEDs to be officially registered with the emergency services could provide a boost to the lives saved by defibrillators in Scotland. A Private Member’s Bill put forward by Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour MSP, pushes for all defibs to be registered so 999 call handlers can direct members of the public to them, increasing the chances of effective treatment following a sudden cardiac arrest. Evidence suggests that the rate of AED use when not in a hospital is around 4.3%. The Swedish study found that registered AEDs were 15 times more likely to be used …
Exclusive Restart-A-Heart Day Offers
‘Restart-A-Heart’ Day takes place on the 16th of October every year. Its aim is to create awareness around learning CPR and basic life support – a cause we’re fully behind. To encourage others to get the necessary training and life-saving kit needed to restart a heart, we’re rolling out three shocking deals for one week only! These offers are valid from 00:01 on Monday 14th October until Sunday 20th October at 23:59. 5-10% off HeartSine defibrillators – Quote discount code “restart10” when you call or email 50% off related online training – Quote discount code “restart50” when you call or …
Why you need your own blood pressure monitor
The term ‘blood pressure’ is used to describe the strength with which your blood pushes on the sides of your arteries as it goes around your body. It’s critical that blood pressure stays within a healthy range, as either higher or lower readings can mean trouble: Hypertension, known commonly as high blood pressure, can put extra strain on organs and arteries. This can lead to strokes or cardiac arrest…a “heart attack”. This is much more serious than low blood pressure for real-world symptoms. Hypotension (low blood pressure) causes blurred vision, weakness, dizziness and fainting. It’s not a major cause for concern unless …
WARNING Emerade auto-injector users
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has warned that some Emerade auto-injector adrenaline pens may be defective, due to a blockage of the needle. Manufacturer Bausch & Lomb UK Ltd. detected the issue over a year ago but categorised it as a rare event due to the potential occurrence rate. However, further tests have indicated the number of occurrences could be nearly twice that of what was first anticipated. Affected products Product PL Number Emerade 150 micrograms solution for injection in pre-filled syringe PL 33616/0013 Emerade 300 micrograms solution for injection in pre-filled syringe PL 33616/0014 Emerade …
NEW ‘Connected’ Defibrillators for Fleet Management
Defibrillator manufacturer HeartSine has introduced a new ‘Gateway’ add-on for its AEDs, enabling the easy management of a defib fleet across single or multiple locations. The system provides remote readiness information about each AED via a Wi-Fi® connection to the ‘LIFELINK central’ program manager or ‘LIFENET®’ system. This reports information like the results of the weekly AED self-test, including if the AED battery is low, pad expiration dates and more. Once connected, the AED is able to independently monitors and report on its own readiness, sending email alerts when it reaches low battery power or is out of operational temperature …
HSE Advice on Managing Mental Health in the Workplace
Alongside first aid needs assessments, the HSE recommends investing in having personnel trained to identify and understand symptoms and able to support someone who might be experiencing a mental health issue. Its guidance states: “You should consider ways to manage mental ill health in your workplace which are appropriate for your business, such as providing information or training for managers and employees, employing occupational health professionals, appointing mental health trained first aiders and implementing employee support programmes. “First aid training courses covering mental health, teach delegates how to recognise warning signs of mental ill-health and help them to develop the …
Warning Over Telefunken Defibrillators
A safety alert from the Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has been issued over Telefunken HR1 & FA1 Defibrillators. The MHRA has advised that Telefunken automatic external defibrillators, pads and batteries are no longer certified for use in the UK. If you have one in your workplace, you’re being advised to act immediately on the instructions provided by the MHRA here: www.cas.mhra.gov.uk/ViewandAcknowledgment/ViewAttachment.aspx?Attachment_id=103252 We supply a full range of AEDs. Purchase a brand new defibrillator here: AED Units. For First Aid Equipment and CPR Manikins different brands and training equipment available including the Practi-Man Manikinrange, choking vests and AED Trainers and …
Your Business Needs First Aid Needs Assessments
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has emphasised the importance of first aid needs assessments. www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/needs-assessment.htm In the article, the HSE acknowledges that employers are best placed to understand their specific workplaces and decide what first aid risks are present and therefore, what provisions are appropriate. However, the HSE does stipulate that “first aid provision must be adequate and appropriate in the circumstances”. This means employers must provide sufficient first aid equipment, facilities and personnel at all times. The way to identify what first aid measures are required in your business is to carry out a first aid needs assessment; …
Instructor story
We love to celebrate the great work that our instructors and resellers are doing out in the community! We found out about this great story and had to share it with you below. Abacus Training Centre Ltd. has helped a small town to add three community defibrillators to its streets. Owner, Duncan Parsonage, had starred in many of our first aid videos! Rocester’s residents are counting their blessings thanks to three brand new defibrillators that have been installed in their home town, after Abacus Training subsidised the life-saving equipment to reward their fundraising efforts. The local first aid training and …
NEW American Football First Aid
Learn how to deal with injuries on the field effectively! Designed with and approved by the British American Football Coaches Association, our brand new American Football first aid course covers dealing with likely illnesses or injuries that can occur on the pitch. Your exclusive American Football first aid course discount code: UK-BAFCA www.proamericanfootball.co.uk The course covers the basics of first aid such as initial care and scene safety, cardiac arrest and CPR, choking and bleeding. Alongside all of these essentials, there’s a real focus on injuries that can happen on the playing field, like: Strains and sprains Breaks and fractures …
The caterpillar causing chaos for people and their pets
‘Oak Processionary Moth’ caterpillars are a risk to trees, humans and pets. The government has announced via its website that “any sightings should be reported to the Forestry Commission via its Tree Alert online form” or that “people can email opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk or call 0300 067 4442.” The creepy crawlies have blackheads, and bodies covered in long white hairs. According to official guidance, the latter “contain proteins which can cause itchy rashes, eye, and throat irritations. They can also occasionally cause breathing difficulties in people and pets, so should not be touched under any circumstances.” Craig Harrison, the Forestry Commission’s South-East …
Picking and installing a defibrillator cabinet
Having a defibrillator is great. However, ensuring it’s displayed, protected and available in a prominent place is also very important. That’s why we’ve launched a free course to teach people how to install a defibrillator cabinet. The course goes hand in hand with our industry-leading choice of cabinets, available from our website There are so many cabinets to choose from – we stock more than 10 models! So, how do you find the right one? How to pick an AED cabinet To protect your AED, you should choose your cabinet wisely. Here’s what we look for when picking one: IP66 …