- How do I register my defibrillator with the 111 service, so you know where it is, and for defibrillator pads and battery reminders?
For email reminders on when to replace your batteries and pads fill in our online form. To register your defibrillator with 111, complete the online form here so we can register where it is located.
- What happens if my defibrillator is faulty?
Please call us on 0800 785 646 if you have any problems with your defibrillator that your purchased from us, we will replace it with a new one if there are any faults and it is still under warranty.
- What is the IP Rating?
An IP rating is a protection rating against dust and wet environments - it measures how robust the defibrillator is against weather, water, heat and dust. If you want to be able use the defibrillator in an outdoor settings like beaches, parks, farms, or swimming pools you will need to make sure the defibrillator is robust.
- What about monitoring and maintenance?
Someone will need to be responsible for monitoring and maintaining the defibrillator. This includes checking the battery and replacing parts like pads. Maintenance of the defibrillator will be required for at least 8 years before it will need to be replaced.
Our defibrillators do a daily diagnostic self-check which ensures it is ready to use. The defibrillator will flash red and bleep multiple times when something needs replacing like the pads and batteries. When this happens push the green button and the defibrillator will advise you what you need to do.
If the defibrillator has been used, you will always need to replace the pads.
Pads and batteries need to be replaced every 3-4 years. You can order your replacement pads and batteries online here
- How should I store my defibrillator?
Ideally your defibrillator should be stored in a carry case or a defibrillator cabinet to protect it. Check the optimal operating temperature of your AED. You will need to consider how hot your defibrillator might get if you are storing it in a car. Check out our range for AED storage and cabinets here.
- Can I injure someone with a defibrillator?
Defibrillators have numerous built-in algorithms and safety features and will only supply a shock if the heart is in a shockable rhythm. If a shock is recommended and delivered, it may restart the heart. The person will also need CPR to keep the blood pumping around the body to the brain and other vital organs.
- What is the difference between a Heart Attack and a Cardiac Arrest?
A Heart attack and a cardiac arrest are different things.
A heart attack occurs when one of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle with blood is blocked. The heart loses its own blood supply, and the heart muscle is injured. Some common symptoms of a heart attack include heavy, tight or crushing chest pain, feeling short of breath, and nausea. If left for too long, the heart muscle will die. A heart attack is a serious condition and can sometimes lead to a cardiac arrest. If someone has chest pain that does not ease after 10 minutes, or is very unwell, call 111 for an Ambulance.
A cardiac arrest is where someone’s heart suddenly stops beating, they are unresponsive and not breathing normally. If someone is in cardiac arrest, start CPR, call 111 for an ambulance, and send someone to get a defibrillator. A person in cardiac arrest requires CPR to keep the blood pumping around the body. CPR is pushing hard and fast on the chest with 30 compressions and breathing in the mouth with 2 breaths. This is performed continuously, 30 to 2 no matter who, until help arrives. If a defibrillator is available place the pads on the chest and follow the instructions.
Always use a defibrillator if someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
- How do I recognise a cardiac arrest
A person is in a cardiac arrest when they are unresponsive and not breathing normally.
- When do I use the defibrillator?
A defibrillator should be used when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. The defibrillator will talk you through the steps and will tell you whether a shock is required. If a shock is required, follow the instructions as this could save their life.
- Do all workplaces require a defibrillator to meet Health and Safety Regulations
Defibrillators aren’t compulsory in NZ workplaces. However, under the Health and Safety at Work Act, employers are required to ensure that suitable first aid facilities are provided. The provision of a defibrillator is now a reasonable consideration in a First Aid Needs Assessment. To learn more about the Health and Safety at Work Act and the first aid needs assessment click here.
- What’s the difference between a semi or fully automatic?
Semi-automatic defibrillators will ask the rescuer to press the shock button to deliver the shock allowing time for people to stand back from the patient when the shock is delivered. It also allows you to press the shock button as quickly as possible so you can start compressions again.
A fully automatic defibrillator will automatically do the shock for you, with no need to press the shock button. Whether your defibrillator is a semi-automatic or fully automatic model it will always make the decision to shock if it is required.