Defibruary
In Wales, more than 6,000 people a year go into cardiac arrest outside of hospital. 80% of those take place at home.
A cardiac arrest means someone’s heart has stopped beating. When this happens normal breathing also stops. Someone in cardiac arrest will become unresponsive and will need urgent medical attention.
A defibrillator or automatic external defibrillator (AED) is used to analyse the heart rhythm of a casualty and give a shock to the heart to someone in cardiac arrest and help it beat again. The device will only give a shock if it’s safe to do so.
Following a cardiac arrest, a person’s survival chances are reduced by 10% for every passing minute without action. The quicker you act, the more chance you have to save someone’s life.
Defibruary was created by St John Ambulance Cymru in the month of February to help people become more defib-aware so more people can help others in need in our communities. During Defibruary, St John Ambulance Cymru conducts informative workshops and distributes educational materials to raise awareness about the proper usage of defibrillators, emphasizing the critical role that timely intervention plays in saving lives during cardiac emergencies.
How can I get involved in Defibruary?
This Defibruary, we're encouraging you to learn, locate or donate to help save lives in Wales by using a defibrillator:
- Increase your knowledge of how to access and use an AED by booking an in-person free defibrillator demonstration.
- Gain certified, official training through one of our first aid courses. Become proficient in using a defibrillator and learn to to confidently respond to a range of first aid emergencies. Certification is valid for 3 years on completion.
- Find your nearest public access defibrillator.
- Donate so we can continue our work to develop a community of lifesavers in Wales.