Defibrillators save lives

07 Feb, 2026

In a change of plan this morning, my day dramatically pivoted.

I was quite happily lazing in bed at 8:30am, reading the internet. My mobile phone rang -- it was the elderly neighbour next door. I knew something was wrong!

In as few words as possible she said "I need the defibrillator". I needed no other detail. Quick as a flash I jumped out of bed, threw on some clothes in seconds, and was in the car to collect the defibrillator from outside our local golf club.

I was back in under two minutes and ran into her house.

Medical emergency

Her husband had collapsed. She was on the phone to a call handler at the emergency services, he was talking her through CPR, and an ambulance was on the way. He had asked her to try and get someone to get the local defibrillator (AED).

I opened the case, turned it on and listened very carefully to the instructions. It guided me through opening the shock-pads, and placing them on his chest. It then instructed us to stand clear while it took his heart reading. The device then announced no "need to shock, continue CPR". After 90 seconds it announced again to stand clear as it confirmed his heart rhythm. This continued.

The paramedics arrived in about 15 minutes and took over.

Thankfully all was well. His vital signs had recovered, but he was still totally out. The team spent time with him and he started to regain consciousness. After about ten minutes he was whisked off to hospital for observations and tests.

Local Defibrillators

This clearly demonstrates the usefulness of such devices.

I live in a small village, with about 200 people. We are 40 minutes from the hospital. In the event of an emergency the ambulance service have a base about 20 minutes away, and we also have local 'First Responders' who will be contacted by the emergency services to offer help until paramedics arrive.

As a village, we bought our own defib. via donations in the community. We now have two; one at either end of the village. (it is basically one long road which runs for a few miles along the sea-front). One defib. is at the village hall, the other at the golf club.

The first responders are volunteers with appropriate first aid training. We, as a village, donate to their group every year as they are an important part of rural communities.

The Patient

He is doing well. Lots of tests to be done. He suffers from Parkinsons; a cruel disease which damages the brain over years.

They are both in their 80s and a lovely couple. The last few years have been tough on them.

I am glad I was there and able to help.