At Stamford Nub News, we are investigating how many local defibrillators are available, and if the local community know where to find them in a crisis.

This follows the hand over of a number of the life-saving machines to Lincolnshire Integrated Volunteer Emergency Service (LIVES) late last week.

Defibrillators for Bourne Defibrillator, separately funded by the Len Pick Trust, and Stamford equipment funded direct by LIVES, was handed over in an event hosted by South Kesteven District Council and LIVES.

But do you know where to find them and how to use them?

A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest. This high energy shock is called defibrillation, and it's an essential part in trying to save the life of someone who's in cardiac arrest. A defibrillator may also be called a defib, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) or a PAD (Public Access Defibrillator).

The British Heart Foundation have released guidance on what to do if you ever need to use a defibrillator:

A defibrillator should be used when a person is in cardiac arrest. CPR should be done until you can get a defibrillator.

If you see someone having a cardiac arrest, call 999, start CPR and get someone to find a defibrillator. The emergency operator can advise you if you can't find one. Once you get the defibrillator, turn it on and continue CPR until the device tells you to stop. 

To use a defibrillator, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Turn the defibrillator on by pressing the green button and follow its instructions.

Step 2: Peel off the sticky pads and attach them to the patient's skin, one on each side of the chest, as shown in the picture on the defibrillator.

Step 3: Once the pads have been attached, stop CPR and don't touch the patient. The defibrillator will then check the patient's heart rhythm.

Step 4: The defibrillator will decide whether a shock is needed and if so, it will tell you to press the shock button. An automatic defibrillator will shock the patient without prompt. Don't touch the patient while they are being shocked.

Step 5: The defibrillator will tell you when the shock has been delivered and whether you need to continue CPR.

Step 6: Continue with chest compressions until the patient shows signs of life or the defibrillator tells you to stop so it can analyse the heartbeat again.

Anyone can use a defibrillator and you don't need training. Once you turn it on, it will give clear instructions on how to attach the defibrillator pads. The device checks the heart rhythm and will only tell you to shock if it's needed. You can't shock someone accidentally.

Where can you find a defibrillator in Stamford?

• Stamford Bridge Club, PE9 2RN
• Stamford College, Drift Road, PE9 1XA
• Stamford Ambulance Station, PE9 1UF
• Stamford Public Toilets, Recreation Ground Road
• Stamford Dentist, Broad Street, PE9 1PJ
• St George's Street, near St George's Church Hub
• Rohan, Stamford, 74 High Street
• The George Hotel, phonebox

Are there any new defibrillators in the area, or have any of these been removed?

Get in contact on [email protected] to let us know.