How does installation work? Expand The installation of the unit is the responsibility of the host organisation to coordinate. We have an installation guide we can share with you; this provides all the information your electrician may need. Our full defibrillator package comes with a branded, unlocked, polycarbonate cabinet with temperature gauge. We strongly suggest this is installed by a qualified NICEIC registered electrician. The defibrillator itself operates through batteries; however, the cabinet needs to be connected to the electrics via a 3-amp fuse spur. This provides heat in cold weather to protect the device by preventing freezing and condensation.
What is The Circuit? Expand The Circuit is an online database collating the location of all registered defibrillators in the UK. Once a unit is registered on this database it is visible to NHS ambulance services and ready to be used in an emergency. Without this, many defibrillators are left unused because emergency services do not know where they are or how to access them. For this reason, it is essential that once your defibrillator has been installed, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance are advised so we can then add it to The Circuit and ensure the device is rescue ready.
What is the role of the Guardian? Expand It’s a simple job, but very important. The Host’s nominated Guardian will receive a request to set up an account with The Circuit. Once created, the Guardian must respond to The Circuit’s maintenance requests, which will ensure the AED remains rescue-ready for 999 calls. We recommend checks are conducted every two weeks and reported to The Circuit through the online portal they will gain access to, once registered by DSAA.
Why are our defibrillators supplied unlocked? Expand We have designed our package to be compliant with the latest evidence and best practice statements. RCUK (Resuscitation Council UK) have recently updated their consensus statement on public AEDs which state that these should be unlocked Following a cardiac arrest, the priority is to apply an AED to the patient with the absolute minimum delay. Only unlocked cabinets allow for this. This position is endorsed by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) and NHS England.
What happens in the event of theft and/ or damage? Expand Theft and vandalism of AEDs is rare - whilst DSAA insurance doesn’t cover theft, your own insurance may, and we offer help with replacement fundraising including press releases and media and a fundraising page to help support this.
What insurance is provided? Expand DSAA will insure the asset against public liability claims. Whilst DSAA insurance doesn’t cover theft, your own insurance may, and we offer help with replacement fundraising including press releases and media and a fundraising page to help support this.
How do I use the defibrillator? Expand The defibrillator is designed to be easy to use in an emergency. It will automatically analyse the patient's condition and deliver shocks if needed. The device will provide clear voice instructions and visual prompts to guide you through the process step by step. If you’d like to learn more about using a defibrillator and performing CPR, we offer Life Support CPR and Defibrillator Awareness Sessions through DSAA. These sessions include hands-on practice and helpful resources.
What are the ongoing costs? Expand There are ongoing costs associated with keeping the device ‘rescue ready.’ There is a £100 minimum annual fundraising target towards the cost of battery and pad replacements. This amount will provide up to two replacement pads per year and batteries will be changed after five years. During the device’s seven-year lifespan, the £100 annual fee may not cover all pad replacements and DSAA will invoice for any shortfall in funds.
2024 Expand DSAA transitions from Specialist Aviation Services to Gama Aviation as its aircraft operator, marking a new chapter in aviation operations. Innovation advances with the development of machine learning research focused on accurate tasking of pre-hospital critical care teams. The first PhD student joins the team, contributing to research efforts. DSAA welcomes its third national Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) trainee. The charity orders a second AW169 aircraft to enhance aviation capability. Regional research funding secured to investigate motorcycle injury prevention, reinforcing DSAA’s commitment to public health and safety.
2025 Expand DSAA celebrates 25 years of saving lives and a decade of operational excellence with a fully staffed critical care team on every shift. This milestone reflects DSAA’s dedication to ensuring critical care is always available for the people of Dorset and Somerset. DSAA secures National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) funding to research the use of machine learning in supporting rapid and accurate tasking of teams to critical care patients. The charity welcomes its fourth national Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) trainee. A critical care practitioner is enabled to support ambulance service tasking within the central emergency operations centre.
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